Confidentiality of Library Records

Confidentiality of Library Records:
 

  1. Under Ohio law, library records shall not be made available to any agency of federal, state, or local government, or to any other individual, except as pursuant to the following:
    • For the records of minor children when requested by parents, guardians, or custodians
    • In accordance with a subpoena, search warrant, or other court order, or to a law enforcement officer who is investigating a matter involving public safety in exigent circumstances
    • At the written request or with the written consent of the individual who is the subject of the record of information
    • For library administrative purposes as defined by Ohio Revised Code

  2. All requests made through a subpoena, search warrant, or other court order shall be referred the Library Director. The Library Director will notify the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for legal assistance in these cases.

  3. Library records are defined as a record in any form that is maintained by the Library and that contains any of the following types of information:
    • Information an individual is required to provide in order to be eligible to use Library services or borrow materials
    • Information that identifies an individual as having requested or obtained specific materials or materials on a specific subject
    • Information that is provided by an individual to assist a staff member to answer a specific question or provide information on a particular subject