Protecting user privacy and confidentiality has long been an integral part of the mission of libraries. Both New York State law and the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution provide guarantees of confidentiality and privacy. The library protects the privacy and confidentiality of children as well as adults. Confidentiality of library records is covered in NY CLS § 4509 (2001).
The library collects only that personally identifiable information about users that is needed for the functioning of the library and its Web site. Privacy and confidentiality protections are part of our library procedures. The library retains personally identifiable information about users only as long as it is needed for library functions.
The library does not disclose or distribute users’ names, postal addresses, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, borrower records, computer use records or other personal information to outside parties unless required to do so pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by law. The library will examine any such process, order, or subpoena to determine that a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Solvay Public Library endorses “Privacy: an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights” adopted by the American Library Association Council June 19, 2002.
Your Privacy and the Web Site
The Solvay Public Library committed to protecting the privacy of our web site users. However, your privacy cannot be guaranteed. The USA Patriot Act of 2001 (Public Law No: 107-56) increases the likelihood that the activities of library users may be under government surveillance without their knowledge or consent. For more information on the USA Patriot Act, go to the Patriot Act page at the American Library Association’s web site.
The following discloses our information-gathering practices in regard to users of our web site.
You should know that we keep statistics on web site visits and use the aggregated information to improve the content and usability of our site.
When you visit the Library’s web site, the web server automatically logs and stores:
- The address (IP number) of the computer you are using.
- The type and version number of the browser you are using.
- The type of computer and operating system you are using.
- The date and time of your visit, and how long you stay.
- The Internet address of the Web site that referred you to our site.
The logs are used for internal statistical analysis and are then discarded.
Cookies
“Cookies” are often used by Web sites in order to recognize a returning user. “Cookies” are not in use by the Solvay Public Library Web site.
E-mail Addresses
We do not automatically log e-mail addresses. If you voluntarily give us your e-mail address (or other contact information) in order to subscribe to our newsletter, ask for information, or for any other purpose, we will not distribute or disclose your personal information for non-library purposes to outside parties unless required by law.
“Ask a Librarian” Reference Service by E-mail
When you use our “Ask a Librarian” e-mail reference service, you voluntarily give us your e-mail address. It is used only to contact you with the answer to your question. The questions and answers may be archived for a period of time in case they need to be referred to for follow-up help. They are later discarded. The types of questions asked and answered are logged for statistical purposes; any identifying information is deleted.
From time to time, we may use visitor information for new unanticipated uses not previously disclosed in this privacy notice. If our information practices do change, we will post the policy changes on our site to notify you and provide you with the ability to opt out of these new uses. If you have any concerns about how your information is used, please contact us.
Please note:Our web site contains links to external sites not maintained by, or under the control of, the Solvay Public Library. The library cannot be responsible for your privacy when you disclose information to outside Web sites. It is your responsibility to protect your personal information.
Compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Act (COPPA)
As a non-profit agency, Solvay Public Library is not subject to the provisions of COPPA. However we want to inform users about it. The Solvay Public Library encourages parents and teachers to be involved in children’s Internet activities and to provide guidance whenever children are asked to provide personal information online.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) went into effect on April 21, 2000. It places parents in control over what information is collected from their children while online. The law applies to operators of commercial Web sites and online services directed to children under 13 that collect personal information from children, and operators of general audience sites with actual knowledge that they are collecting information from children under 13. On our Web site we do not knowingly collect information from children under the age of 13.
The Federal Trade Commission has set up a page called Children’s Online Privacy, a special Web page to help you learn more about COPPA and online privacy. The site is designed for kids, parents, businesses, and educators.
In the event that the library offers contests, a special newsletter, or other activities aimed at children under 13, parents will be asked to submit the contact or other information on the child’s behalf.
The library does not require anyone to disclose more information than is reasonably necessary to participate in an activity.
If you have concerns about how your information is used, please contact us.
Solvay Public Library
The Community Library of the Village of Solvay
615 Woods Road
Solvay, NY 13219
315-468-2441
solvay@onlib.org