Emory Libraries Privacy Policy

Emory Libraries strives to protect the privacy and dignity of all patrons, in person and online, in compliance with federal and state laws as well as professional standards. This includes a library patron’s right to read anonymously. Consequently, Library staff members hold in confidence to the extent allowable by law all information about individual Library users and their choices of research or study material. This policy is created with reference to:

• American Library Association's Code of Ethics
• Society of American Archivists Core Values and Code of Ethics
• Medical Library Association Code of Ethics for Health Sciences Librarianship
• State of Georgia law and
• Emory policies.

State of Georgia Law (O.C.G.A. § 24-12-30) protects the confidentiality of circulation and similar library records which identify the user of library materials. This includes, but is not limited to, the circulation of library materials, database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for copies of library materials, reserve requests, and the use of audiovisual materials, films, and sound recordings. This information, however, may be consulted and used by Libraries staff in the course of carrying out library business.

The Libraries will not reveal personally identifiable information of individual patrons or reveal what information sources or services they consult under most circumstances. Reasons for disclosure include being required by search warrant or subpoena or if there is a substantiated reason to believe that violations of law or of University or Libraries policies have taken place; or when failure to act might result in significant bodily harm or significant property loss. This policy applies to all resources regardless of their format or means of delivery as well as to all services offered by the Libraries.

Further information on how the Emory Libraries implement the policy outlined above is found in our description of Library practices on the collection, use, disclosure, maintenance and protection of personal information. 

Emory University Policies

For related Emory University Policies, please reference the following (Emory log in required):

• Confidentiality and Release of Information about Students, Policy 8.3
• Protecting Student Privacy in Distance Education, Policy 10.6
• Institutional Data Management, Policy 10.13