Dear LM_NET:
I know that this topic has been discussed before, but I now have some
specific examples to share and discuss.
I suppose that the confidentiality of library records is an issue in
libraries across the nation, but here in Missouri this issue has come to the
forefront just this school year.
Here are some specific questions from our elementary library submitted to
the Library and Media Technology Consultant for Missouri:
1. Am I legally able to send a class overdue list to each classroom teacher
on a weekly basis? The individual notices may be given to the teacher for
him/her to distribute. A list should not be given to the teacher which lists
all the titles. If you want to give them a list of names with overdues that
is okay just don't put the title.
2. Am I legally liable if the teacher, for some unknown reason, breaches the
confidentiality policy while dealing with the over list I send from the
library? I don't know for sure, but the teacher should not have the title
list. If you don't provide the title list, then they can't breach confidence
If you ask him/her to pass out notices and he/she looks at the personal
notice and thus breaches confidentiality, they are responsible/liable.
3. If I can send a weekly overdue list, how should the classroom teacher
legally disperse the information? See above.
4. If I cannot legally send a weekly overdue list to the classrooms, what
options do I have? See above.
5. How do I abide with the confidentiality law and still go over the items
on the loan list and overdue list? This is a management issue for sure. You
can speak to the student individually if you want to mention the title. If
you just remind them they have something--no big deal. Many times the
student wants/needs to be reminded of the title which means more time for
private conversation.
6. I have 15 minutes to go over each classroom's items status list and
checkout 15-30 students as well. I currently do not see a way to meet my
goals and adhere to the confidentiality policy regarding overdues. How do I
let a student know if he or she has overdues in class if I cannot say it out
loud in front of the other students? See #5 above.
The elementary librarian and I have discussed this further.
As we understand it we cannot produce a list which associates the student
name or number with the title of the overdue. The teacher cannot be able to
determine which student has which overdue book.
We have decided that our best option, as we understand the policy, is to
print a list for each classroom that lists only the titles of the books
which are overdue. The students can look at the list and then see if they
have one of those books in their cubby or desk.
Is it not amazing that we as educators can discuss a student's behavior and
grades but we cannot discuss what book they have overdue at the library?
What promulgated this law? Did some Congressman or education official have a
child come home crying when a librarian told them in front of another child
that Polar Express was overdue?
Discussion welcome.
Thanks.
Kay Goss
Director, Library Media Services
Mansfield Secondary Library
316 West Ohio Ave. Mansfield, MO. 65704
Home of Laura Ingalls Wilder
417-924-3236 Ext. 311
klg@tnp.more.net
"The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel,
must be intolerably stupid." Jane Austen
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
* LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
* LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
* EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
* LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home