Quality Standard 4.5
Protect the privacy of members
Play is essential because it’s how people explore the world, build relationships, and make sense of their experiences. Through play, children (and adults) develop creativity, problem-solving skills, confidence, and emotional resilience. It supports learning in a natural, joyful way, helping people test ideas, take safe risks, and connect with others. At every age, play nurtures wellbeing and reminds us that curiosity and imagination are powerful drivers of growth.
Most toy libraries collect information of a private nature. It is important that this information is securely stored and appropriately disposed of.
Toy libraries using either Mibase or SeTLS have a standard set of sign up questions automatically included. Toy libraries are able to customise a limited set of additional questions to gather information about their members. You should consider carefully what sensitive information you collect from your members, how (or if at all) you will use this information.
You must ensure that when staff and volunteers access your member database that they only have access to the information they need to complete their role. For volunteers performing basic toy library operations of borrowing and returning toys, or checking toys for missing pieces, they do not need access to members personal contact information such as address and phone number.
Careful consideration should be given to collecting and storing sensitive information such as ID details and childrens’ birth dates.
Once a membership has expired and any outstanding fees and loans finalised, you should have a plan in place for deidentifying member data. SeTLS contains a feature to manage this once a membership is locked.
Further Learning available now in TLA's Learning Centre
NPF Privacy Obligations – online training presented by Justice Connect (Recorded 2023, approx 1.5 hours learning)
Further reading
NFP Law Privacy Laws
Photography / Videography Privacy
You must ensure that you obtain consent from adults who appear in photos and videos of your toy library. A parent or guardian must provide consent for their child to appear in photos and videos of your toy library and toys.
photo/video consent form template link*
If a parent/guardian tags the toy library in a post on social media, this is implied consent.
If a parent/guardian sends the toy library a photo or video via email, the toy library should still obtain consent for the methods in which this image can be used.