All records, formal and informal, of TDL relating to patron registration and the subsequent circulation of materials provided by TDL, are considered to be confidential in nature in accordance with the Michigan Library Privacy Act. (1982 PA 455, MCL 397.601, et seq). This law also ensures that Library records as defined by the Library Privacy Act are not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act;(1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 et seq).
To prevent an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy, the contents of registration and circulation records shall not be made available to anyone without written permission of the owner of the record as defined by the Library Privacy Act, section 3(2) of the act, MCL 397.603(2), or, properly obtained legal warrant or subpoena.
Library staff, volunteers, agents, or board members are not authorized to disclose or share information from any library record as that term is defined in section 2(k) of The Library Privacy Act, 1982 PA 455, MCL 397.602(k). Without proper warrant, subpoena, or written permission of the owner of the library record, as defined in section 3(2) of the act, MCL 397.603(2)
Upon the receipt of any process, order or subpoena, any employee named and/or served shall immediately report to and consult with the Director. The Director will contact legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is proper and in full compliance with legal authority. In the event that the subject of the subpoena is the Director, staff will report instead to the Board President who will consult with legal counsel.
Any problems or conditions relating to the privacy of a patron through the records of TDL which are not specified in the privacy statement shall be referred to the Director. After study and consultation with the Board and/or legal counsel, the Director shall issue a written decision regarding the request for information.
…. ”The library shall not release or disclose a library record or a portion of a library record to a patron without written consent of the person liable for payment for or return of the materials identified in that library record.” Section 3 of The Library Privacy Act, 1982 PA 455, MCL 397.603(2)