The policy, Confidentiality of Library Borrower Information, protects the privacy of those who borrow materials and request information from The Seattle Public Library. The Library also protects the privacy of those who use its Web sites and other electronic services.
The following notice discloses the type of information gathered when visitors use electronic services provided by The Seattle Public Library and how that information is used.
General information gathered
Individual visits to electronic services are logged automatically by servers and software programs are used to summarize data from those visits. The data summaries do not identify individual visitors by name.
Server logs and statistical summaries are reviewed to learn how individual electronic services and Web pages are used in order to improve Web site content, better manage network traffic and troubleshoot server problems. Examples of statistics gathered include:
Web Site:
- Referring site or site last visited
- Time and date of user sessions or visits
- Browser types and versions in use
- Operating systems in use
- Internet Protocol (IP) addresses assigned to Internet service providers
- End of list
Library Catalog System:
- Patron log-in totals
- Number of hold requests placed
- Number of renewals
- End of list
Personal information
Individuals may choose to submit their names, e-mail addresses, postal addresses or telephone numbers in order to receive library services, such as registering for library cards, ordering materials, receiving personal responses to questions or being added to specific mailing lists. The Library does not sell, rent or otherwise distribute information to outside companies or organizations unless legally required to do so. For example, library records may be subject to disclosure to law enforcement officials under provisions of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (USA PATRIOT Act) and librarians may under some circumstances be forbidden from disclosing that certain records have been requested or obtained.
Members of the public may be mentioned by name on the Web site, for example, in public meeting agendas and minutes, library event descriptions or photos, as bidders on public projects or as contributors to Web page content. If identified at all, children are mentioned by first name or name of school/group only.
Cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on user computers by a Web site to enable customization of individual visits. Some Library electronic services, such as the Library Catalog and remote databases, place temporary cookies for current sessions. These cookies do not capture personal information or compromise visitor privacy, and are deleted when sessions are ended. Visitors can refuse the cookie by using instructions provided in browsers, which may result in an inability to access some library services from computers outside the Library.
Outside Sites
The Library's Web site includes selected links to outside sites. Those sites may have different privacy statements and the Library's notice does not apply. The Library is not responsible for protecting personal information gathered by outside Web sites. See also a related policy, Public Use of the Internet.
Security
The Seattle Public Library has taken reasonable steps to safeguard the integrity of its data and prevent unauthorized access to information it maintains, including but not limited to authentication, monitoring, and auditing. Security measures have been integrated into the design, implementation and day-to-day practices of the entire operating environment as part of its continuing commitment to risk management. These measures are intended to prevent corruption of data, block unknown or unauthorized access to our systems and information, and to provide reasonable protection of private information in our possession.
