Confidentiality of Library Records

The Illinois State Statutes protect the confidentiality of patron records. 75 ILCS 70/1-2 reads, “The registration and circulation records of a library are confidential information. Except pursuant to a court order, no person shall publish or make any information contained in such records available to the public.” The Board of Trustees of the Tolono Public Library District has adopted this policy in order to comply with the law.

  1. Circulation records and other records identifying the names of library users are confidential.
  2. Library employees shall not make such records available to any individual, firm, institution, parent, attorney, an agency of state, federal or local government except after presentation of a court order as may be authorized under the administrative discovery procedures of legislative investigative power. Only a signed court order is acceptable. Records will not be released for a verbal or written request, subpoena, or search warrant.

I: Procedures

  1. All requests for such records are to be handled by the Library Director. In the absence of the Library Director, the supervisor on duty may respond to any requests in a timely manner by following the appropriate procedure. Whenever possible the Library Director is to be notified prior to any information dissemination. The Library Director must receive photocopies or originals of all documents and be notified of such action immediately.
  2. Photocopies of all documents must be made if Library Director may not retain originals.
  3. Identifying information (such as: name, driver’s license number, or badge number for an officer) from the individual requesting data must be recorded on the document or on the form on the next page.
  4. The individual is to be asked directly if the form is a court order. This cannot be misrepresented to the library or staff on duty.
  5. All documents are to be examined and all pages read and verified that a judge signed the document. A case number, date, and case information should appear on the form.
  6. The documents may vary in appearance.
  7. The board of trustees will be made aware of any such requests for information.

Revised 04/2022