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<br /> <br /> <br />LIBRARY COMMISSION <br />AGENDA REPORT <br /> <br /> <br />May 2, 2024 <br />Item 4 <br /> <br /> <br />TITLE: RECEIVE INFORMATION AND PROVIDE INPUT ON LIBRARY PRIVACY <br />POLICY DEVELOPMENT <br /> <br /> <br />SUMMARY <br />The Library Commission plays an important role in identifying policy needs and <br />participating in the development, review, and recommendation of individual policies for <br />City Council approval. The commission has identified policy priorities each year, with <br />the Pleasanton Library Privacy Policy being a priority for 2024. A new policy would <br />enhance protections for library patrons and align practices with the current best public <br />library standards. Commissioners are being asked to provide input on the materials <br />provided in this agenda packet, guided by their insights on the community needs that <br />should be addressed in the policy development process. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br />The existing Pleasanton Library policy, Confidentiality of Library Records (1999, <br />Attachment 1) is 24 years old, and does not address the advances in technology or the <br />evolution of privacy-related laws, nor is it a comprehensive privacy policy. Library <br />privacy policies are essential for protecting the confidentiality of user data. In California, <br />public libraries are guided by specific laws regarding the confidentiality of library records <br />to ensure that patron information is not disclosed improperly. An outdated policy leaves <br />library operations vulnerable to challenges that did not exist two decades ago, including <br />issues related to digital data storage, electronic communications, and internet access. <br /> <br />In 2023, the Library Commission’s Policy Subcommittee identified the need for a privacy <br />policy and approved the prioritization of the development of a new policy in February <br />2024. <br /> <br />DISCUSSION <br />To assist in the development of a library privacy policy, the City has engaged in a <br />contract with Becky Yoose, an experienced Library Data Privacy Consultant with LDH <br />Consulting Services (LDH). Becky Yoose brings over a decade of experience in library <br />data management across both academic and public libraries. She received her MA-LIS <br />from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is a Certified Information Privacy <br />Professional/United States (CIPP/US) with the International Association of Privacy <br />Professionals. Her extensive background includes positions such as Library <br />Applications and Systems Manager at the Seattle Public Library and Assistant