Registration of Patrons

CRAVEN-PAMLICO-CARTERET REGIONAL LIBRARY

Adopted March 18, 2014

The public libraries that comprise the Craven-Pamlico Regional Library are supported primarily by taxes paid by property owners of the three counties. The libraries have a responsibility to protect the taxpayer’s investment in the collections of the libraries; therefore current and valid identification is required to obtain a library card.

Library cards are free, although there is a small charge to replace lost cards. Library cards are provided to individuals who present photo identification and verification of address. As a courtesy to members of the Armed Services and their families we will accept their Military Identification and Military Dependent Identification.

A parent or guardian must assume responsibility for materials borrowed by a person under 18 years of age; therefore it is the adult’s identification that is required for registration of a minor.

A valid CP Regional library card is required and must be presented to check out materials at all library locations. Library card holders, or patrons, are responsible for:

• Materials checked out with their card
• Lost or damaged materials
• Materials returned late
• Lost library card.

Library card registration information is updated every three years from the date of first issue to assist in maintaining accurate patron records. Patrons are responsible for notifying the library should there be a change of address, name, phone number, etc.

Demographic information may be gathered in order to plan library services. This information will be used in the aggregate (no identifying information is compiled or reported) and is not stored or disclosed in any way that would identify the person registering.

State and federal rules and laws pertaining to confidentiality of records and privacy protect information provided on the registration form. See also: North Carolina General Statutes §125-18 and §125-19 and CPCRL Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records.

NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES
Article 3. Library Records.

§ 125-18. Definitions.

As used in this Article, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1) “Library” means a library established by the State; a county, city, township, village, school district, or other local units of governments and authorities; community college or university; or any private library open to the public.

(2) “Library record” means a document, record, or other method of storing information retained by a library that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific information or materials from a library. “Library record” does not include nonidentifying material that may be retained for the purpose of studying or evaluating the circulation of library materials in general. (§1985, c. 486, s.2.)

§ 125-19. Confidentiality of library user records.

(a) Disclosure. – A library shall not disclose any library record that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials, information, or services, or as otherwise having used the library, except as provided for in subsection (b).

(b) Exceptions.- Library records may be disclosed in the following instances:

(1) When necessary for the reasonable operation of the library;
(2) Upon written consent of the user; or
(3) Pursuant to subpoena, court order, or where otherwise required by law. (1985, c. 486, s.2.)

POLICY ON CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY RECORDS*

Adopted by the CPC Regional Library Board of Trustees on April 24, 1989.

“The Council of the American Library Association strongly recommends that the responsible officers of each library in the United States:

Formally adopt a policy which specifically recognizes its circulation records and other records identifying the names of library users to be confidential in nature.

Advise all librarians and library employees that such records shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal or local government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant t, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigative power.

Resist the issuance or enforcement of any such process, order, or subpoena until such time as a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction.**
*Note: See also ALA POLICY MANUAL 54.15- CODE OF ETHICS point #3, “Librarians must protect each user’s right to privacy with respect to information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed, or acquired.”

**Note: Point 3, above, means that upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the library’s officers will consult with their legal counsel to determine is 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, they will insist that such defects be cured.

Adopted January 20, 1971; revised July 4, 1975, by the ALA Council.

See reserve side [below] for suggested procedures for implementation.
[ISBN 83389-6082-0]

SUGGESTED PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING
“POLICY ON CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY RECORDS”

1. The library staff member receiving the request to examine or obtain information relating to circulation or registration records will immediately refer the person making the request to the responsible officer of the institution, who shall explain the confidentiality policy.

2. The director, upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, shall consult with the appropriate legal officer assigned to the institution to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in good form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance.

3. If the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, insistence shall be made that such defects be cured before any records are released. (The legal process requiring the production of circulation records shall ordinarily be in the form of subpoena “duces tecum” [bring your records] requiring the responsible officer to attend court or the taking of his/her deposition and may require him/her to bring along certain designated circulation records.)

4. Any threats or unauthorized demands (i.e., those not supported by a process, order, or subpoena) concerning circulation or registration records shall be reported to the appropriate legal officer of the institution.

5. Any problems relating to the privacy of circulation and registration records which are not provided for above shall be referred to the responsible officer.
Adopted by the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, January 9, 1983.