Forty-eight states and the District of Columbia have laws protecting the confidentiality of library records. Two states, Kentucky and Hawaii, have attorney general’s opinions protecting library users’ privacy. The language of these provisions vary from state to state. The majority of these laws declare that a library user’s records and information are confidential, and not subject to disclosure, unless certain conditions are met, such as a user’s consent or the service of a court order.
Additional Privacy Laws
In addition to laws that govern the confidentiality of library records, there are several state and federal privacy laws that should be taken into consideration when providing service and contracting with vendors.
State Laws
- State Privacy Laws Regarding Library Records
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
- California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)
- Colorado Privacy Act (CPA)
- Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA)
Federal Laws
- Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
- Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
Note: For additional guidance on these laws see the Students & Minors section.