Policy Title: Library Privacy Policy 
Policy Number: LP-017
Type of Policy: Library 
Last Reviewed Date: May 2025 
Next Review Date: July 2028 
Responsible Administrator: Dean of Libraries 
Policy Owner: Library
Contact Name: Sonya Gaither 
Contact Title: Dean of Libraries 
Contact Email: Library@clayton.edu 

Policy Statement:
The Clayton State University Library respects a library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality regarding information sought or received and materials consulted and borrowed, or services provided. 

Reason for Policy:
Library policies are created to assist students, faculty/staff, and community users with developing a welcoming and inviting study and research space within the library facility. Each policy explains who, how, and when the library building, resources, etc. can be accessed. In the event library property becomes lost or damaged, or there is a disturbance during operating hours, policies and procedures explain how these matters will be resolved. 

Policy Scope: 
This policy applies to Clayton State University Library Employees.

Policy: 
The library complies with the Official Code of Georgia regarding confidentiality of library user records and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). For more information, please see FERPA Information on the Clayton State University Registrar’s web page and the Registrar’s release form (login required). 
 

TITLE 24. EVIDENCE 
CHAPTER 12. MEDICAL AND OTHER CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION 
ARTICLE 4. OTHER CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION 
O.C.G.A. § 24-12-30 (2019) 
§ 24-12-30. Confidential nature of certain library records

1.  

1.  

1. 1. Circulation and similar records of a library which identify the user of library materials shall not be public records 
         but shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except: 
           1). To members of the library staff in the ordinary course of business; 
           2). Upon written consent of the user of the library materials or the user’s parents or guardian if the user is                               a minor or ward; or 
           3). Upon appropriate court order or subpoena.
      
      
   2. Any disclosure authorized by subsection (a) of this Code section or any unauthorized disclosure of materials made confidential by subsection (a) of this Code section shall not in any way destroy the confidential nature of that material, except for the purpose for which an authorized disclosure is made. A person disclosing material as authorized by subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be liable therefor. 

References/Sources:

1. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 
2. Registrar Release Form 
3. § 24-12-30. Confidential nature of certain library records 

Policy History: 

Revision Date	Author	Description
09/01/1987	Library Leadership	Effective date
11/12/2019	Library Leadership	Links updated
04/08/2025	Library Leadership	Reformatted to new template