The Alabama Public Library Service subscribes to a policy that the Circulation and registration records maintained by the Alabama Public Library Service and the public libraries in Alabama are confidential records.

1. (1) The term ”registration records” includes any information which the Alabama Public Library Service and public libraries in Alabama require a patron to provide in order to become eligible to borrow books and other materials.
2. (2) The term “circulation records” includes all information which identifies the patrons utilizing particular books and any other library materials in any medium and format.

3. (3) It is recognized that public library use by an individual should be of a confidential nature. The registration and circulation records and information concerning the use of public libraries and the Alabama Public Library Service shall be confidential. Registration and circulation records shall not be open for inspection by, or otherwise available to, any agency or individual except for the following entities:

   1. (a) the library which manages the records.
   2. (b) the state public library service for a library under its jurisdiction when it is necessary to assure the proper operations of such operation. Aggregate statistics shown from registration and circulation records, with all personal identification removed, may be released or used by a library for research and planning purposes.
   3. (c) proper legal procedures in compliance with the federal and state laws regarding the Privacy Act.

Author: Nancy C. Pack, Director

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §41-8-(1-10).

History: Filed March 10, 1989. (See history note at end of chapter.) Repealed and New Rule: Filed May 13, 2010; effective June 17, 2010. Repealed and New Rule: Filed December 10, 2018; effective January 24, 2019.