[Publib] legal/ethical issue

[Joan Pellikka]

Greetings,
 
I usually just lurk, but I really need your help here. I work in a rural library system with more than 60 libraries. These are not branch libraries; they are all separate entities with their own library boards. Very few of them have any staff members with an MLS, including the library directors. The library system uses SIRSI, but fewer than half of our libraries are automated.
 
My question involves the use of SIRSI to indicate when a patron has been barred. This information can be accessed by any of the participating libraries. We have been having some discussion regarding the possibility of libraries indicating when a patron is barred for reasons other than circulation issues, like say when there has been a behavioral problem. Some of us have expressed concern over this practice due to privacy & confidentiality issues and the possible violation of civil rights.
 
We have been told that this practice is common in other library systems and we would like to know if this is the case. If so, has anyone ever expressed the same concern that we have? Even better, has any library system ever been challenged by a patron for this practice and lost? Or, should we not be concerned at all?
 
Any input on this at all would be very much appreciated.
 
Thank you,
Joan Pellikka
 


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