Library Service privacy notice

The Barnet Library Service includes:

  • 10 Core and Core Plus Libraries – Burnt Oak, Chipping Barnet, Colindale, East Finchley Library, Edgware Library, Finchley Church End Library, Golders Green Library, Hendon Library, North Finchley Library, Osidge Library.

  • 4 Partnership Libraries – Childs Hill, East Barnet, Mill Hill, South Friern
  • Mobile Library Service
  • Home Library Service
  • Digital Library Service
  • Library and community-based activities

The Public Libraries and Museum’s Act (1964) requires the council to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service to all those who live, work or study within Barnet.

*Community Libraries (Hampstead Garden Suburb and Friern Barnet) are not managed by the council.

In addition to our library services, the council buys into some online resources. These are not run by the council but we pay a fee that allows Barnet residents to access the resources. We share some information, such as customer membership numbers, with these companies to allow resident access.

Library membership

When customers join the library they are asked to complete a registration form.  The information we need to collect will be used to ensure that customers have the correct type of library membership and are able to borrow the correct age-restricted items (such as DVDs).  Where customers have chosen to provide us with an email address, this will be used in the following circumstances:

  • To welcome customers to the library when they first join
  • To remind customers of when items are due back
  • To inform customers of items that are now overdue
  • To inform customers of progress regarding reserved items
  • To inform customers where they are about to move into or have moved into a new borrower category (child to teen for example)

All messages sent will be service related communications.  We will not send customers marketing information unless they have specifically requested and signed up for our library newsletter.

Self-service opening

Some of our libraries have both self-service and staffed opening hours. For customers who have upgraded their library cards to include self-service opening hours we may also hold limited health information, including disability data. You do not have to provide this information to us but is requested in order for staff to advise customers of building features that will assist them in the event of an emergency evacuation during self-service opening hours, when there are no staff on site to assist.

Other services

Barnet library members can use eBooks and eAudiobooks provided by our suppliers. To use these services customers will need to register directly with the suppliers. Their privacy information is available from OverDrive for eBooks and BorrowBox for eAudiobooks.

For eBooks, we allow the supplier access to our system to check that the library membership number provided by the borrower is a valid Barnet account. This check is made each time an item is borrowed or reserved. 

For eAudiobooks, the council has access to customer’s registration and usage data when using the service, so that we can inform them of relevant information about the eAudiobook service.

Personal information we collect:

  • Name
  • Address and contact details
  • Date of Birth 
  • Names of items ordered/borrowed
  • Communications preferences
  • Library events attended
  • Health information (limited amount for emergency purposes)
  • CCTV footage
  • Membership number & PIN

Who we share the information with:

  • Selected information (such as membership number) is shared with suppliers of online resources in order that we can provide access for customers.
  • Contracted Partnership Library organisations.

Legislation that applies:

Public Libraries and Museum’s Act (1964)

How long we keep your information:

All borrower records are valid on the system for 3 years. 

Paper forms are kept for 3 months, after which time they are securely disposed of.