Name Alisha Short Date 2/25/20

Upholding Policies
Article Summary Worksheet
  Directions:

1. Choose an article (linked on page)

2. Complete Worksheet evaluating the article. l

     Bibliographic Information

        Author(s) of article: Helen R. Adams

        Title of article: Practical Ideas: Protecting Students’ Privacy in Your School Library

        Name of magazine, newspaper, website, journal etc. containing the article:
School Library Monthly

        Date article was published and page number (if avail): Mar2014, Vol. 30 Issue 6,
p29-30. 2p.

     Summary Information

        Briefly state the main idea or thesis presented in this article:

Protecting student’s privacy and the confidentiality of their library use records should be a
top priority for all library staff. Educating students about their privacy rights is one
responsibility of librarians. School librarians teach students that it is no one’s business
what they read (except their parents). School libraries use privacy policies that cover
circulation records for all types of materials. This article also talks about using the state’s
library records law, the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the
ALA Code of Ethics when protecting student’s privacy.

 What library policy or policies are discussed in this article (You may have to read
closely to figure this out.)?

According to this article, “The ALA recommends that every school library have a policy that
describes how students’ privacy is protected, when their library records may be disclosed,
and to whom. The policy should cover circulation records for all types of materials
including eBooks.” This article also talks about using the state’s library records law, the
federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the ALA Code of Ethics
when protecting student’s privacy.

 What is the author’s opinion about these policies?

Privacy policies are key. The author states “One of the best ways to protect students’
privacy and the confidentiality of their library use records is to have a board-approved
privacy policy. She believes “Teaching students about their privacy rights when using
school libraries is one of the responsibilities of school librarians.”

     Personal Reaction

        When might it be appropriate to uphold the policy(ies) mentioned in the article?

Privacy policies are important to keep a students’ records private. If another student asked,
‘Who checked out Treasure Island?’ or ‘Does Tyler have the Harry Potter series? I want to
read them’, the patron’s privacy is protected. The school librarian should tell these
students, “I cannot disclose that information”. It is important that library staff keep a users’
reading records private. It is important that their information is confidential. It is nobody’s
business, except the children’s parents, what someone is reading. Librarians should refer
to the ALA Code of Ethics and the Library Bill of Rights, all patrons deserve the rights to
privacy.

 Describe how would you approach upholding this policy when working in a
library?

I would not give out a patrons’ circulation records. I would never tell anyone what someone
else was reading/browsing, except the parents of children. Library staff should never
disclose a patrons’ private information. It is important that staff respect patron privacy and
confidentiality. I would have a sign stating the ALA Code of Ethics and Library Bill of
Rights, all patrons deserve the rights to privacy. Also, a sign about Intellectual Freedom
would do the community well. If I would get asked ‘who has this book’, or ‘what book was
he looking for’, I would say ‘I can not disclose that information. It is my duty to protect
his/her privacy.

 When would it be appropriate to make an exception to the policy(ies) discussed in

the article? Explain your answer.

I would only give out school children’s information to their parents, no exceptions. Children
deserve the same respect as adults. It is important that staff protect their privacy. Staff
should always refer to their privacy policies, the ALA Code of Ethics, the Library Bill of
Rights and the Intellectual Freedom statement. If a police officer would come in with a
court ordered subpoena, I would release the student’s records to him; though I’m not sure
that happens often.

 Do you agree with author’s writes about this particular library policy? Why or why
not?

Yes, I agree with what this author stated about privacy policies. She states, “One of the best
ways to protect students’ privacy and the confidentiality of their library use records is to
have a board-approved privacy policy.” It is important that every library has a policy and
enforces it. I think it is really important to educate students about their rights. Students
deserve the same respect as adults. Every patron; adults, teenagers and children, should
be treated equally.