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privacy: minors and developmentally delayed adults

JJ
Jennifer Johnson
Sun, Dec 9, 2018 9:53 PM

Hello,

We've started to have an interesting conversation at our library about privacy rights.  We began looking at whether we needed a written policy for the accounts of developmentally delayed adults who come to the library with coaches.

We decided that unless a guardian comes into the library with paperwork to inform us of their status, we treat each person as if they are able to enter into a contract and get their own library card.  We also have some training to do so that staff know not to contact the parents of said adults about fines and fees.

This discussion then led to a discussion of how "business reasons" are defined.  I'd traditionally viewed anything dealing with finances (lost items, overdue fines etc) as a business reason to release information to the parent of a minor.  Another staff member believes business reasons is defined as printing holds wrappers, sending information to our ILS vendor, sending information to collections.  I agree that those are valid business reasons, but since parents are financially responsible for the account of their minor child, think fines and lost books should count as well.

How do you all handle this?

Thanks
Jenn

[Library logo email 131 pixels 3-11-14]

Jenn Johnson
Lead Librarian
Circulation
City of Carlsbad
1775 Dove Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92011
www.carlsbadlibrary.orghttp://www.carlsbadlibrary.org/

760-602-2059 or 760-434-2888| 760-602-7942 fax | Jennifer.johnson@carlsbadca.govmailto:Jennifer.johnson@carlsbadca.gov

Hello, We've started to have an interesting conversation at our library about privacy rights. We began looking at whether we needed a written policy for the accounts of developmentally delayed adults who come to the library with coaches. We decided that unless a guardian comes into the library with paperwork to inform us of their status, we treat each person as if they are able to enter into a contract and get their own library card. We also have some training to do so that staff know not to contact the parents of said adults about fines and fees. This discussion then led to a discussion of how "business reasons" are defined. I'd traditionally viewed anything dealing with finances (lost items, overdue fines etc) as a business reason to release information to the parent of a minor. Another staff member believes business reasons is defined as printing holds wrappers, sending information to our ILS vendor, sending information to collections. I agree that those are valid business reasons, but since parents are financially responsible for the account of their minor child, think fines and lost books should count as well. How do you all handle this? Thanks Jenn [Library logo email 131 pixels 3-11-14] Jenn Johnson Lead Librarian Circulation City of Carlsbad 1775 Dove Lane Carlsbad, CA 92011 www.carlsbadlibrary.org<http://www.carlsbadlibrary.org/> 760-602-2059 or 760-434-2888| 760-602-7942 fax | Jennifer.johnson@carlsbadca.gov<mailto:Jennifer.johnson@carlsbadca.gov>