In libraries-

we often use the word privacy to refer to our patrons' right to open inquiry without having the subject of one’s interest examined or scrutinized.

We use the word confidentiality when discussing the protection of our patrons' personal information that has been entrusted to the library, including contact information and the record of what library materials have been used.

We use the term intellectual freedom to refer to our patrons' constitutionally protected right to hold, receive, and disseminate ideas. 

The American Library Association Code of Ethics serves as our guide in matters related to patron privacy, confidentiality and intellectual freedom. 

Privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association. Lack of privacy and confidentiality chills people’s choices, thereby suppressing access to ideas. The possibility of surveillance, whether direct or through access to records of speech, research and exploration, undermines a democratic society.  In libraries, the right to privacy is the right to open inquiry without having the subject of one's interest examined or scrutinized by others. American Library Association, Library Core Values, Privacy and Confidentiality

Our commitment to protect our patrons' privacy, confidentiality, and intellectual freedom is based on ALA's Code of Ethics which is rooted in rights protected by the US Constitution and also affirmed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19.