OWWL Library System (the System) maintains the system-wide integrated library system (ILS), Evergreen, to manage library collections and to facilitate the circulation of materials to patrons. Patron data should not be used for purposes other than library transactions initiated by the patron.
This statement aligns with ALA adopted policies on privacy, which state that library “users should have the choice to opt-in to any data collection that is not essential to library operations and the opportunity to opt-out again at any future time;” that “libraries should collect and store only personally identifiable data required for specific purposes that are disclosed to the users;” and that “libraries should never share users’ personally identifiable information with third parties or vendors that provide resources and library services, unless the library obtains explicit permission from the user or if required by law or existing contract.”
The System adheres to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules Section 4509: Library Records.
Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute.
Section 4509: Library records, Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP)
The System does not disclose confidential patron records to any agency except under explicit consent of the patron or due process of law and then only upon the advice of the System’s legal counsel.
Additional information can be found in the Systems Access and Confidentiality of Library Records Policy.
Last Updated by the OWWL Library System Board of Trustees on September 14, 2022