TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMISSION
FROM: Brian Ambrose, Community Services Director
PREPARED BY: Gretchen Sedlacek, Asst. Management Analyst
SUBJECT:
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Adoption of Murrieta Public Library Privacy Policy
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Recommend that the Library Advisory Commission review and recommend adoption of the Murrieta Public Library Privacy Policy.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
The Murrieta Public Library is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all patrons. The need for a formal privacy policy arose when the Murrieta Public Library’s partner, Riverside County Library System, was required to create a privacy policy to comply with federal 10DLC messaging regulations. This compliance was necessary due to the County’s use of a text messaging service called MessageBee for patron notifications.
The Murrieta Public Library has an agreement with Riverside County for automated library services, including access to MessageBee. Through this service, Murrieta patrons receive library account notifications via text. When Riverside County developed its privacy policy to comply with these regulations, The County recommended that the Murrieta Public Library create its own policy to reflect local practices and expand on relevant topics.
This draft Privacy Policy was developed to address additional privacy concerns specific to Murrieta Public Library, including:
• Retention, security, and disclosure of patron records.
• Privacy rights of minors in compliance with California law.
• Use of video surveillance in the library and surrounding property.
• Photography and filming guidelines for staff, the public, and the media.
• Protocols for handling law enforcement and government requests.
• Clarification that patron records are exempt from public records requests under California Government Code § 6254(j).
The policy incorporates best practices from the American Library Association, aligns with state and federal privacy laws, and has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office. This ensures that Murrieta Public Library patrons can use our services without concern for unauthorized disclosure of personal information.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ATTACHMENTS
Draft Murrieta Public Library Privacy Policy