(1) Privacy of inquiry is central to freedom and the success of a democratic society. Any state library record, the primary purpose of which is to maintain control of library materials, or to gain access to information, which discloses or could be used to disclose the identity of a library user, is exempt from public disclosure, in accordance with RCW 42.17.310. The state library will not disclose these records, outside the requirements of RCW 42.17.310 and absent judicial action to compel such disclosure.

(2) The library reserves the right to determine that a public record requested in accordance with the procedures outlined in WAC 304-20-040 is exempt under the provisions of section 31, chapter 1, Laws of 1973.

(3) In addition, pursuant to section 26, chapter 1, Laws of 1973, the library reserves the right to delete identifying details when it makes available or publishes any public record, in any cases when there is reason to believe that disclosure of such details would be an invasion of personal privacy protected by chapter 1, Laws of 1973. The public records officer will fully justify such deletion in writing.

(4) All denials of requests for public records must be accompanied by a written statement specifying the reason for the denial, including a statement of the specific exemption authorizing the withholding of the record and a brief explanation of how the exemption applies to the record withheld.