Right to Privacy
The Addison Public Library is committed to protecting personal identifiable information. The Library will not collect or maintain personal identifiable information without consent. The Library follows the Library Records Confidentiality Act (75 ILCS 70/1, 70/2). All records that share patron information like name, address, and phone number are kept private. Records will not be shared with other patrons or non-Library-affiliated businesses. The Library does share current checkouts and usage with a third-party vendor for marketing Library materials and services.
Access to Personal Information
All library records are confidential and library records may only be disclosed to:
- library staff performing job duties.
- patrons providing identification.
- parents or guardians of children (under the age of 18 years) who have signed for the child’s library card.
- law enforcement when a court order is provided.
Library staff must assist law enforcement and release records when:
- a court order is provided.
- law enforcement proves there is an emergency because someone may be hurt.
Staff may share patron information to law enforcement if staff:
- knows a patron is threatening to carry out a crime that affects Library staff, patrons, trustees, or property.
- sees a crime taking place or has information about the crime.
Patrons who ask for private information must show their library card or identification (ID). Parents or guardians who signed for the child’s card may look at information about a child’s record when they show ID.
In all other cases, the Library will not share patron information. Patrons may not look at computers, files, or records that might have this kind of information. Patrons who use third-party services and databases are subject to the privacy policies of those vendors. The Library uses Google Analytics on the Library’s website to track user behavior. Website users are subject to Google Analytics’ privacy policy.
Staff will not share patron information in voicemails or unsealed mail. Staff may send emails if the patron asks in writing to receive emails. The Library cannot be responsible for maintaining privacy in an email.
The Library Director or Person in Charge (PIC) should be contacted right away if a staff member:
- is approached with any kind of legal process that is related to the Library.
- is approached by law enforcement asking for patron information.
- is asked for patron information from someone who is not the patron.
- learns that patron information may relate to a crime (e.g., finding child sex abuse material on a computer).
- believes information has been or may be improperly shared.
- has any questions about the policy.
Information We Collect
Personal information collected by the library:
- name
- address
- telephone number
- email address
- date of birth
- library barcode card number
- library materials currently checked out or requested
- overdue materials (until returned)
- fine history
- electronic communications such as email, chat, and submitted online forms
- sign-up information for programs and events
Protecting Your Personal Information
To protect your personal information the library will:
- purge and shred outdated records.
- remove materials checked out from your account once returned.
- only keep a record of your reading history if you choose to turn on this feature through your online account.
- avoid keeping unnecessary records.
Patron Responsibilities
Patrons are responsible for their library cards and all materials checked out on the card. They should report a change of address, phone number or email address. Patrons are responsible for returning materials, even if the patron did not receive an overdue notice from the Library.
Patrons should immediately report a lost or stolen library card to staff. Patrons are responsible for any items checked out on their unreported lost or stolen card. Business cardholders are responsible for updating the people who have permission to use the account.