Greetings! The act protects any record that identifies someone’s use of the library. The act does not define “patron,” but the common meaning as it pertains to libraries is that, a “patron” is anyone who uses library services- not only those people that are “card holders.” The “person” language in the statute quoted by James is also broad. The act doesn’t specify a particular type of person. When there is no included definition, the law tends to look to the “common” meaning of a word. Individual libraries may wish to consult their attorneys on this. I would suggest caution regarding discussions using specific names. Also, if libraries intend for their programs/activities, etc., to be restricted to “cardholders” or members of their communities, that information should be incorporated into the activities’ policies and publicity information so it is clear that his restriction applies to everyone not a member of the community.. Applying such a restriction on the spot, or inconsistently, without a written policy, could create problems for the library. I encourage libraries to review their policies with their attorneys. Thanks! Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC@michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. [cid:image001.png@01D73B7B.8BCD9040] From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of James B Lenze via Michlib-l Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 4:13 PM To: Amber Hughey <a.hughey@bridgeportlibrary.org> Cc: Michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Aaron Yang on NPR CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov<mailto:abuse@michigan.gov> Unless I am mistaken, the library privacy act does not make a distinction between residents and non-resident, tax payers and non-taxpayers. The key phrase in the privacy act is “or that identifies a person as having requested...” James B Lenze, Library Director Garden City Public Library (734) 793-1830 (301) 246-0546 On Apr 26, 2021, at 3:55 PM, Amber Hughey via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@mcls.org>> wrote: Aaron Yang is not a patron nor a resident of any of the libraries he pushed himself into. Amber L Hughey, MLIS She/Hers Director Bridgeport Public Library zv041 3399 Williamson Saginaw MI 48601 989-777-6030 ext 4 On 04/26/2021 3:31 PM David Votta via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@mcls.org>> wrote: To everyone responding with details, whatever altruistic motivation you have to protect the library community, please consider that sharing patron information is a privacy issue. Thank you, David David Votta Director Charlotte Community Library 517.543.8859 226 S Bostwick Charlotte, MI 48813 From: Michlib-l [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Jennifer Saul via Michlib-l Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 3:12 PM Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@mcls.org> Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Aaron Yang on NPR I've been contacted by Aaron three times in last six years. I will say his response to being told that we couldn't mail him prizes was much better last year than it was six years ago. He used to be a bit pushier. I'm surprised he isn't trying for adult summer reading programs at this point though. Jen Saul Reference Librarian Bedford Branch Library 734-847-6747 ________________________________ From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org>> on behalf of Shiloh Pawelski via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@mcls.org>> Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 2:57 PM To: Laurie Walters <lwalters@brightonlibrary.info<mailto:lwalters@brightonlibrary.info>> Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@mcls.org> <michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@mcls.org>> Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Aaron Yang on NPR He participated in Berrien Springs Community Library Summer Reading when I was there! I talked to him over the phone.He is a character. I did mail him a prize (I talked him into paying for shipping). I didn't see the harm, and it was during COVID so our numbers were dismal...Maybe I've enabled him a little? Sorry everyone! :-) On Mon, Apr 26, 2021 at 2:20 PM Laurie Walters via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@mcls.org>> wrote: Aaron Yang made an appearance on Weekend Edition. Enjoy! https://www.npr.org/2021/04/24/990430245/aaron-yang-voracious-reader-or-giant-pain-to-librarians<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.npr.org%2F2021%2F04%2F24%2F990430245%2Faaron-yang-voracious-reader-or-giant-pain-to-librarians&data=04%7C01%7CMembielaC%40michigan.gov%7C9d18cdb99ae143efe7fc08d908f131a1%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C1%7C637550654279822407%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&sdata=E8z8jVmx8jz0Ah6MRPbSmoYHpRlYZWR3DaLOQz7DJUA%3D&reserved=0> -- Laurie Walters Youth Services Librarian Brighton District Library 100 Library Drive Brighton, MI 48116 810-229-6571 Ext. 215 lwalters@brightonlibrary.info<mailto:lwalters@brightonlibrary.info> _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@mcls.org> https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmail3.mcls.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fmichlib-l&data=04%7C01%7CMembielaC%40michigan.gov%7C9d18cdb99ae143efe7fc08d908f131a1%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C1%7C637550654279822407%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&sdata=1QTQmaXUuMeqRStpglcXFrBOFfIY8FBHJq7FsXspviA%3D&reserved=0> -- Shiloh Pawelski Interloan Coordinator Cass District Library 319 M 62 Cassopolis, MI 49031 269. 357 -7822 ext. 102 _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@mcls.org> https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@mcls.org> https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
