Confidentiality of Library Records
The Heard Library maintains the confidentiality of patron records. Working at the library you will have access to sensitive patron information (including patron records, registration records, fines/fees, fulfillment histories, etc....). Under no circumstances are you to share any patron information with any other patrons, including parents of students. Due to the FERPA law – information cannot be disclosed to anyone without the patron’s permission. Please contact a supervisor to handle these queries.
CONFIDENTIALITY OF LIBRARY RECORDS
Protecting the rights of library users to view and read materials without fear of intrusion, intimidation or reprisal is a core value for all librarians. To safeguard the privacy of individuals in their use of the library, the University Libraries maintains the confidentiality of library records. Student records, including library borrowing records, are additionally protected by federal privacy laws.
The registration and circulation records of the University Library system are confidential.
Registration records include any information the library requires users (faculty or staff members, students, alumni, or special borrowers) to provide in order to become eligible to access or borrow materials. Such information includes addresses, telephone numbers, and social security numbers.
Circulation records include all information that identifies a faculty or staff member, student, alumnus, or special borrower as borrowing or accessing particular materials or information. Included in these records are Web browsing histories and reserve materials.
No library employee shall reveal the identity of a borrower to any requestor.
Except in accordance with proper judicial order and with permission of the designated administrative officer(s) of the University, no person shall make known in any manner any information contained in such records listed above. In the absence of such judicial orders or University administrative permission, those to whom information will be denied include, but are not limited to, faculty, staff (including library staff except in the pursuit of their assigned duties), parents, students, campus security, police, FBI agents, and military personnel.
*If a law enforcement officer asks you for information on a user, refer them to a supervisor immediately.
Access records are those data concerning entry to the library collected via turnstiles or door card readers. These records are maintained by the Vanderbilt University Card Office. Follow the instructions given by your supervisor for access request.
