Privacy Policy

Introduction

The Terrace Public Library is committed to protecting the privacy of its patrons. Any personal information collected, used or disclosed by the Terrace Public Library is in accordance with the B.C. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). The Terrace Public Library is a member of the BC Libraries Cooperative and additionally adheres to their privacy policies.

What is personal information?

Personal information is defined by FOIPPA as information about an identifiable person. Some examples of personal information are name, age, home address, phone number, email address, IP address (a computer's address), FOIPPA's definition of personal information does not include work contact information (including library staff), which is information that would allow a person to be contacted at a place of business, such as the person's name, title, business address, business phone number, and business email address.

Collection of personal information

When collecting personal information Terrace Public Library will advise the patron of the purpose for collecting it and the legal authority for doing so. The library will also provide the patron with contact information of the library's FOI/Privacy Officer, who can answer questions regarding the collection of said information.

Information automatically collected when visiting our website

Some information is automatically collected when browsing the library's website, including Terrace Public Library collects this information to help make the library's website site useful by assessing the library's web services and system performance, as well as learning how many people are visiting the site and how they are using it. No attempt is made to use this information to identify visitors, unless it is necessary for an investigation or it is required by law. Cookies are small files that are saved to a computer and used to store information that is communicated back to the website being accessed. The Sitka catalogue uses cookies to monitor its own usage. It is possible to change the settings in a browser so that cookies will be denied or so the browser will notify the user before cookies are saved on the computer.

Personal information collected via email and web forms

Personal information is collected by Terrace Public Library when a library web form is filled in or an email is sent to the library. Personal information sent to the library by email or by web forms will only be used by authorized staff for the purpose for which it was collected or for a consistent purpose, unless otherwise consented to or authorized or required by law.

Personal information collected when using our Internet stations

Patrons are required to sign in with their library card barcode number or a guest number in order to use the public computers stations. This process creates a log of barcode numbers and patron names. There is no additional personal information attached to the list. This information is collected in order to enforce the library's use policies (see the Terrace Public Library Internet Access Policy) and gather general statistical information about the service.

Wireless service

The Library provides wireless access to the Internet in most of the building. Use of this service is at the user's risk and is intended for public use.

Video surveillance

The Terrace Public Library employs a video surveillance system for the purpose of protecting library property and for the safety and protection of library patrons and staff. These records are reviewed only for the purpose of investigating incidents relating to property and persons inside and outside the library. These video images can only be viewed by authorized persons.

How is personal information used?

The following are some examples of purposes for which Terrace Public Library may collect personal information: Terrace Public Library will only collect personal information for purposes for which it was originally collected or in a manner that is consistent with those purposes. The Library will only use the personal information collected for a different purpose if it is explicitly consented to or the use is authorized under FOIPPA or is otherwise required by law.

When is personal information disclosed?

Terrace Public Library does not sell or rent personal information. Personal information is disclosed only in accordance with FOIPPA and the library's privacy policies Examples of where personal information may be disclosed include:

How is personal information kept secure?

Terrace Public Library uses reasonable security measures to protect against risks such as unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure or disposal. Security measures include physical, technological and operational safeguards that are appropriate to the nature and format of the personal information. Terrace Public Library's security cannot protect information while it is in transit over the Internet. Information sent to Terrace Public Library in email messages is not secure.

Links to other sites

Terrace Public Library strives to provide a wealth of resources from our website, including links to sites outside of the library, such as encyclopedias, reference database, and private organizations. Terrace Public Library has no control over the management of these websites and is not responsible for their privacy policies. Terrace Public Library encourages every individual to review those policies before using the service or providing any personal information.

How long is personal information kept?

How long Terrace Public Library keeps personal information depends on the purpose for which the information was collected. If Terrace Public Library collects a patron's personal information to make a decision that affects the patron, the library must keep that information at least one year so the patron has an opportunity to access it. Otherwise, the library will keep personal information only for the length of time necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. Personal information is securely destroyed when it is no longer needed.

Accuracy of personal information

Terrace Public Library will endeavor to ensure the personal information is as accurate, complete and up-to-date as necessary.

How can someone access or correct their personal information?

Individuals have a right to request access to personal information about them held by Terrace Public Library. To do so, a written request must be submitted to Terrace Public Library's FOI/Privacy Officer (see contact information below). The request should provide enough detail to enable a library employee to find the personal information. An individual also has the right to request that personal information be corrected if they believe it to be incorrect. This can be done by submitting the request in writing to the FOI/Privacy Office (see contact information below), or for simple change of address and telephone information, that information can be corrected at the front counter.

Children's personal information

Children have the same rights as adults with respect to their personal information under FOIPPA. Where a child is 'incapable' of exercising their right to access, correct or consent to the disclosure of his/her personal information, the child's parent/guardian may do so on his/her behalf. Terrace Public Library assumes that children 12 years and older are generally capable of exercising their own rights for policy purposes. However, the library may treat a request on an individual basis where a child or parent/guardian does not believe the guideline age is appropriate in their circumstances.

Who can I contact about Terrace Public Library's privacy policies?

If an individual is not satisfied with how their inquiry was handled by Terrace Public Library, they have the right to complain to the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Links

The website of the Information Policy and Privacy Branch of the Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services contains a wealth of information about FOIPPA and the guidelines and policies that govern the legislation.
  • https://www.mser.gov.bc.ca/privacyaccess