We are aware of a Facebook ad circulating regarding Montana public libraries disclosing personal information about patron library activities.
The ad may be soliciting clients for a class action lawsuit but is more likely a misinformation campaign to create uncertainty about library operations throughout the United States.
Stillwater County Library and the Montana State Library regard the privacy of patron records as a top priority and we adhere to Montana statute, including the Library Records Confidentiality Act, only sharing information in accordance with the MCA 22-1-1103. This act applies to any Montana library open to the public.
In short,
- Patron records are confidential and library data, including data about patrons, is secure. Data systems are maintained using security best practices
- Libraries, library staff, and the MSC as a library service provider follow patron confidentiality laws
- Library Records Confidentiality Act prohibits release of library records except
- by court order
- by written request of the patron
- as general, anonymized statistics
- to the extent necessary to collect overdue or stolen materials or library fines
Please reach out to us if you have questions.
