Learning Resources Department Employee Guide

Confidentiality of User Records and Activities

All patron records and transactions – including what a person has checked out, requested, has on hold, has looked at, has asked about, has used, or has sought resources about – is confidential information that requires a court order to obtain. Details regarding the use of Library services and resources are protected as confidential information by Florida Statute 257.261 Library registration and circulation records. Furthermore, the SJR State Library observes the America Library Association’s Policy Concerning Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information about Library Users. Information about an individual’s circulation transactions of Library material and use of services will only be released as required by law.

As a further protection of the confidentiality of library transactions, only Learning Resources staff is allowed behind the Circulation Desk. Library records and transactions are confidential and cannot be viewed by or relayed to non-library employees without a warrant.

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 US Code 1232g), the whereabouts and activities of a student is confidential. Paging users in any way is not permitted. Staff may not page students, tell a caller if the student is in the Library or tutoring room, nor take a message for a student. If it is a true emergency, the individual must contact the authorities who may then retrieve the student. Should a caller insist that a student be paged, refer the call to security.

Full policies regarding the privacy of students’ College activities and records are stated in the SJR State Catalog/Student Handbook - Student Rights and Responsibilities. Policies regarding the privacy of employee’s College activities and records are stated in the College’s Operating Procedures and Guidelines. Learning Resources abides by these respective policies and all employees are expected to understand and comply with these policies.

Public Records Requests

As a public agency of the state of Florida, SJR State College is required to provide public records in accordance with Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Employees must follow the College policy for Public Records Requests.

Media Inquiries

See College Operating Procedure 3.21 EMPLOYEE RESPONSE TO MEDIA INQUIRY.