We've been so busy, both literally in the library and electronically here on the blog, that we haven't addressed any misconceptions or library myths in a bit of a while. Let's get back to it now.
One question we get asked frequently is about a patron's own borrowing history. "I read a book, maybe 6 months ago, and the author's last name started with a T" or "I don't remember where I am in the series; can you tell me which one I read last?" are the kinds of questions that we might hear. The assumption with these types of questions is that the library keeps a record of each borrower's history.
In fact, we don't. By looking at your library account, we can tell you only what items (if any) are currently checked out to you and if you are waiting on any holds. Some history information would be available IF there was an overdue or damage charge related to a specific title; otherwise, for your privacy and protection, the library doesn't keep your reading history.
Why don't we keep a reading history? We don't because, if subpoenaed by a court, we would have to turn over the reading history of an individual; knowing that theoretically what you choose to read and view may be examined by law enforcement might have a chilling effect on some readers, causing them to not choose materials they otherwise would have checked out. By not retaining the reading history of any patron, we cannot be compelled to turn it over: we can't give what we don't have.
If you want to keep your own reading history-- on paper, in an Excel file, through GoodReads or Shelfari, or some other way or in some other format-- you are of course welcome to do so. Especially for those of us who read more than a few books a month, it can be difficult to remember titles and authors from earlier this year or even longer. However, for your protection, this is one thing we won't do.
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