When a caller asks if a
specific
person is currently in the library, how do you respond?Do you look for the person
and then tell the
caller?Offer to relay a
message if the
person is located in the building?Refuse to provide the information under any circumstances?
Currently, we do not tell a
caller if a specific person is in the building. Since we can’t
know why the
caller wants to know if someone is here, this safeguards both the
privacy and the safety
of the patron.If we’re
told it is an
emergency, we will take the caller’s contact information, give it
to the person
being sought (if possible) and will allow him or her to use the
library’s phone.
I have not been able to
find a library policy to use as a template that directly addresses
this
situation.One that comes
close (San
Francisco Public) is “…keeping confidential information that
identifies
individuals or associates individuals with their use of library
books,
materials, equipment, programs, facilities, and/or staff
assistance.”
If you have a similar policy,
please share it.Many
thanks!
--
Teresa Stannard, Library Director
Parchment Community Library
401 S Riverview Dr.
Parchment, MI 49004
Ph. 269.343.7747 x203
Fax 269.343.7749
Library Hours: M-Th 10-8; F 10-6; Sat 10-4