Giving the Slip: A Study of the Format and Content of Date Due Slips in Canadian Public Libraries

Abstract

There is potential for library date due slips to contain personal information (e.g., names) that compromises patron privacy. A survey was conducted of fifty-five Canadian English language public library systems to determine what sort of information is being printed on date due slips. While it was discovered that personal information was sometimes included, it was most often in the form of the borrower’s library card number, an almost anonymous identifier. The most commonly included information had to do with library services such as the name of the library, the titles of items borrowed, and the due date. Respondents cited patron privacy as the main reason for not including personal patron information. It appears that Canadian public libraries are aware of the importance of maintaining confidentiality in regard to library user records, at least in terms of the content of date due slips.