See Picking up holds for another patron to see how confidentiality works with new hold slips that started September 27, 2023.
May 2024 update: Community Information Services staff may give out library card numbers and update passwords for patrons using free mail services, due to previous Library Outreach Services (LOS) practices.
September 2023
Policy
Multnomah County Library recognizes that all library users, regardless of age, have a right to privacy regarding personally identifiable information, questions asked, program registrations and materials accessed or borrowed.
See the Statement on Privacy and Confidentiality of Library Records on the public website.
All law enforcement requests and all requests for personal contact information must be referred to the Library Director's office at 503.988.5403.
There are confidentiality charts: quick look and by service. These charts are aids and do not include all information in the full policy.
See the County Telework Policies and Privacy Guide, which includes being aware of screens and conversations while teleworking, dealing with paper, and locking computers when unattended.
Rationale
Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of library users is a paramount library value. Oregon's public records law, under ORS 192.502(23), establishes an exemption from disclosure without conditions for the records of a library.
Application
How to help the patron, and people who are not the account holder, access accounts.
What to do if the person should not have access, such as a patron cannot give 2-3 pieces of personal identifying information or a person who only wants personal information from the account.
Examples
Common confidentiality situations with options.