Confidentiality of Patron Records

The Cuyahoga Falls Library recognizes that library records containing user information are confidential (see Ohio Revised Code, section 149.432). Library records are defined as a record in any form that is maintained by the Library and that contains any of the following types of information:

Information an individual is required to provide in order to be eligible to use Library services or borrow materials

Information that identifies an individual as having requested or obtained specific materials or materials on a specific subject

Information that is provided by an individual to assist a staff member to answer a specific question or provide information on a particular subject

Information that does not identify an individual and that is retained for the purpose of studying or evaluating the use of the Library is not considered confidential and is not subject to this policy.

Under Ohio law, library records shall not be made available to any agency of federal, state, or local government, or to any spouse or other individual, except as pursuant to the following:

for the records of minor children when requested by their parents, guardians, or custodians

in accordance with a subpoena, search warrant, or other court order, or to a law enforcement officer who is investigating a matter involving public safety in exigent circumstances (All such requests must be referred to the Library Director or designee.)

at the written request or with the written consent of the individual who is the subject of the record or information (Library users are permitted to waive their confidentiality rights and designate specific individuals to whom they grant access to their library records.)

for Library administrative purposes as defined by Ohio Revised Code, section 149.432, including establishment or maintenance of a system to manage the library records or to assist in the transfer of library records from one records management system to another, compilation of statistical data on library use, and collection of fines and penalties

Additionally, the library may release records that document improper use of the internet at the library so long as any patron information is removed from those records. As used in this context, patron information does not include information about the age or gender of an individual.

Approved by the Cuyahoga Falls Board of Trustees January 28, 2025