American Library Association Privacy Policies and Statements
The American Library Association has developed policies, guidelines, and resources to assist librarians in preserving privacy and confidentiality for library users.
Basic Statements
Library Bill of Rights (1948, amended 1961, 1980, reaffirmed 1996).
Freedom to Read Statement (1953. rev. 1972, 1991, 2000).
Code of Ethics (rev. 1995).
Freedom to View Statement (1990).
Library Principles for a Networked World
Privacy and Confidentiality Policies and Procedures
Privacy Tool Kit (2004).
Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records (1971. rev. 1975, 1986).
Privacy: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights (2002).
Privacy Resources for Librarians, Library Users, and Families (last updated 2002).
Questions and Answers on Privacy and Confidentiality (2003).
ALA Guidelines for Developing A Library Privacy Policy (August 2003).
Suggested Procedures for Implementing Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records (1983. rev. 1988).
Developing a Confidentiality Policy [from ALA, Intellectual Freedom Manual, 6th edition, (Chicago, IL: American Library Association, Office for Intellectual Freedom 2002: 347-355.)]
Policy concerning Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information about Library Users (1991).
AASL Position Statement on the Confidentiality of Library Records
ALA Task Force on Privacy and Confidentiality in the Electronic Environment Final Report (July 2000).
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
Libraries and The Patriot Act Legislation
State Privacy Laws regarding Library Records
Policies and Statements about the Infringement of Users' Privacy Rights
Resolution on the USA Patriot Act and Related Measures That Infringe on the Rights of Library Users (January 2003).
Resolution on Security and Access to Government Information (June 25, 2003).
Resolution Reaffirming the Principles of Intellectual Freedom in the Aftermath of the Terrorist Attacks (January 23, 2002).
Resolution on the Terrorism Information Awareness Program (June 25, 2003).
The USA Patriot Act in the Library
Confidentiality and Coping with Law Enforcement Inquiries: Guidelines for the Library and its Staff (last updated 2002).
Guidelines for Librarians on the USA PATRIOT Act: What to do before, during and after a "knock at the door?" (January 19, 2002).
Terrorism Information and Prevention System (TIPS)
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Prepared by Nancy Kranich
Chair, American Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee
September 11, 2003; revised March 23, 2004
Related Files
- American Library Association Privacy Policies and Statements
- American Library Association Privacy Policies and Statements (WORD)