Confidentiality Policy

In accordance with Mass. General Laws Chapter 4 Section 26 and Chapter 78 Section 7, circulation and registration records identifying the names of library users, addresses, and telephone numbers and the materials borrowed are not part of the public record.  The intellectual pursuits of individuals using library materials is considered confidential information regardless of the age of the borrower.

Such records shall not be made available to any individual, or agency except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigative power.

Upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the Director will notify the Board of Trustees and consult with the Town Counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance. If the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, such defects must be corrected.

Library staff should refer all formal requests for circulation or registration records to the Director.

Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees December 10, 1997