LIBRARIES Shh! It's for your privacy

Most area library systems had a privacy policy in place before the change.
YOUNGSTOWN -- If you haven't been to a library for a while, the next time you visit one, you'll be asked to present a little extra information.
State lawmakers passed a bill last year that addresses confidentiality of library records. Ohio is the last of the 50 states to enact such legislation. The law has been in effect since October 2000.
Cardholder records and information are confidential with a few exceptions.
In the past, cardholder records were open for public review, inspection and copying.
As a result, library personnel now may ask patrons for their library card number, birthdate or other identification-related information when assisting with material checkouts.
Trumbull system: Mona Stevenson, assistant director for the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, said the new policy goes an extra step in protecting patrons' privacy.
"Most people have been really good about it, and it makes sense to a lot of them," Stevenson said. "The only thing is that there is a little more paperwork."
The Trumbull system offers patrons the opportunity to sign a consent form permitting staff to give customers' complete cardholder information over the telephone.
The form also allows customers to choose who can have access to their account information.
To view the form, visit www.wtcpl.lib.oh.us. The form must be brought to the library in person to be completed.
"Nothing is required; people don't have to fill out the confidentiality form if they don't want to," Stevenson said. "And our patrons know that they can check their records on our Web site; it's up to them."
Janet Loew, public relations and communications director of the Youngstown-Mahoning County Public Library, said the new policy is not much different from the policy that system has had in place.
"The only thing we changed was the wording in the policy so it would fit the law," Loew said.
"The only unfortunate difference is that we are no longer able to release the names of schoolchildren who take part in our summer reading program, and so, they can't be recognized at a school ceremony for taking part."
In Hubbard: The transition at the Hubbard Public Library has been smooth.
"We've reviewed and revised our policy in addition to installing a new automation system," director Ruth Mizik said. "We want to make sure the new policy procedures are up to speed with the new system. We've always kept patron confidentiality as a top priority."
"We really appreciate the law now because it gives us that backing to protect the patrons' privacy, which was always a top priority for us," said George Hayes, director of Salem Public Library.
Like other libraries, Hays said Salem had a privacy policy in place before the law was changed.
Parents and legal guardians of children are asked to list names of individuals who may have access to a child's account information.
Exceptions: There are five exceptions to the confidentiality law:
UThe request of an approved parent, guardian or custodian.
UThe production of some form of court order or in light of extenuating circumstances.
UThe patron's consent to release his or her information.
UFor use in administrative library purposes.
UTo document improper use of the Internet at the library.