Privacy and Confidentiality of Library and Patron Records

Worthington Libraries recognizes the importance of protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of the information patrons share with us through use of the library's websites or other services. Described below is the library's policy on the collection, use, disclosure, maintenance and protection of personal information provided to us by patrons. The Library has physical, electronic, and managerial measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to the information we collect. By using Worthington Libraries services, including its website, and by communicating with Worthington Libraries, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Privacy Policy. This policy may change from time to time, and we encourage you to check it periodically.

The Worthington Libraries specifically recognizes its library records (as defined below) and patron information are confidential in nature. Such records will be made available in the following situations: (1) parents, guardians and custodians will have access to the records of their minor children, (2) in accordance with a subpoena, search warrant, or other court order, or to a law enforcement officer who is investigating a matter involving public safety in exigent circumstances, (3) with the consent of the individual who is the subject of the record or information, or (4) for library administrative purposes.

Library records are defined in this policy as a record in any form that is maintained by a library and that contains any of the following types of information: (1) information the Library requires an individual to provide in order to be eligible to use library services or borrow materials; (2) information that identifies an individual as having requested or obtained specific materials or materials on a particular subject; (3) information provided by an individual to assist a library staff member to answer a specific question or provide information on a particular subject. "Library record" does not include information that does not identify any individual and that is retained for the purpose of studying or evaluating the use of a library and its materials and services.

Worthington Libraries has teamed up with reputable third-party partners, in order to provide certain services to our patrons. The information submitted to the Library may be provided to those third parties, so that they can assist in providing certain services, such as but not limited to, delivery of eBooks for use on Kindles or via Kindle apps through Amazon, Worthington Libraries' mobile app, e-Newsletter and SMS reference services. Worthington Libraries does not govern these third party technologies, nor is the Library responsible for the privacy practices of such third parties. Patrons are advised to review the applicable privacy policies of the third party websites and/or services and use is governed by the privacy policies of the third parties.

This Privacy Statement also applies to non-personally identifying information such as, but not limited to, site usage and access. When patrons access the library's website, non-personally identifiable information about those visits may be collected and our servers receive and record information about a patron's computer and browser, including potentially the IP address, browser type, and other software and hardware information. The Library also uses cookies and may use other tracking technologies. Third parties that support Worthington Libraries may also use these technologies to collect similar information.

Patrons may cancel their library account in person, if the account is clear of materials checked out and fees. After an account is canceled, copies of some information may remain viewable in some third-party applications or websites, and Worthington Libraries may also retain backup information related to accounts on its servers for some time after cancellation. Because of caching technology, there may be a delay in the removal of the content from elsewhere on the internet.