WDNews, Dothan, AlabamaA revised Patron Records Retention Policy has been authorized by the Dothan Houston County Library System (DHCLS) Board of Trustees with the goal of enhancing recordkeeping and safeguarding personal information.
Approved on June 11, 2025, the policy mandates that library accounts that have been inactive and expired for a minimum of three years be deleted. According to library officials, the endeavor is a part of a regular update to guarantee the accuracy and security of patron records.
We need to have a precise count of our customers, DHCLS stated in a statement. Applications for grants, government funding, and appropriate data management all use this information.
Active users who have recently attended programs, checked out books, or accessed digital resources won’t be impacted.
Patrons of the library can verify their card’s status by:
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Speaking with a staff member at any DHCLS location,
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Using a kiosk for self-checkout,
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Using the online catalog of the library to access their account,
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or using the Libby app to verify access.
Speaking with a staff member at any DHCLS location,
Using a kiosk for self-checkout,
Using the online catalog of the library to access their account,
or using the Libby app to verify access.
By presenting a photo ID and evidence of residency at a DHCLS branch prior to August 1, 2025, anyone whose card has expired can prevent account deactivation. Houston County residents, employees, students, and property owners, as well as military dependents, are eligible for free cards. For $25 a year, non-residents can obtain a card.
According to the library, accounts with past-due materials or unpaid penalties will not be deleted.
A deleted account holder can apply for a new library card by following the normal procedures if they want to re-join. Visit dhcls.org/how-do-i/get-a-library-card for more information.
For any inquiries, reach out to DHCLS at [email protected].
