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

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.

 

 

 

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

 

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> 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> 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
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> on behalf of Shiloh Pawelski via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 2:57 PM
To: Laurie Walters <lwalters@brightonlibrary.info>
Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org <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> 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

 

--

Laurie Walters

Youth Services Librarian

Brighton District Library

100 Library Drive

Brighton, MI 48116

810-229-6571 Ext. 215

 

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--

 

Shiloh Pawelski

Interloan Coordinator

Cass District Library

319 M 62

Cassopolis, MI 49031

269. 357 -7822 ext. 102

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