Many activities that take place in the library, including circulation and interlibrary loan and reserve requests, result in the creation of records linking clients to specific kinds of information. Several groups, including law enforcement officials, have attempted on various occasions to gain access to these records. This research paper provides…

Reading habits as private or public affairs are discussed in this essay concerning the application of the right of privacy to library circulation records. Several related court cases and library exemptions granted by state legislatures in 17 states are noted. Twenty-six references are cited. (EJS)

Relates experiences of public library in dealing with request for circulation records of inmate residing in county jail. Library policy, law and the prosecutor, preparing defense for refusal to comply with request, public relations, consequences of court appeals, and making the decision to comply with subpoena are discussed. (9 refernces) (EJS)