Confidentiality Policy
Wisconsin State Statute 43.30 and the River Falls Public Library protect the privacy of library users. Confidentiality extends to information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed or acquired, and includes database search records, reference interviews, circulation records, interlibrary loan records, registration records, and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities or services. (See Pertinent Wisconsin State Statutes, 43.30 and 895.035).
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and of the press. This requires the corresponding right to hear what is spoken and read and what is written, free from fear of intrusion, intimidation or reprisal. Confidentiality is essential to protect the exercise of these rights from invasions of privacy.
Libraries are one of the great bulwarks of democracy. They are living embodiments of the First Amendment because their collections include voices of dissent as well as assent. The River Falls Public Library is an impartial resource providing information on all points of view, available to all persons regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, social or political views, economic status, or any other characteristic. This role must not be compromised by an erosion of the privacy rights of our library users.
Circulation, registration and information retrieval records may not be disclosed except to:
