1022 Privacy Policy

Policy Number 1022
Effective Date: May 24, 2021
Subject: Privacy Policy

Purpose

This policy outlines how personal information of Chesapeake Public Library ("CPL") customers will be collected in our systems and online, as well as how CPL responds to any government agency requests related to the USA Patriot Act.

Policy

It is the policy of the CPL that personal information about you will be collected only to the extent necessary to provide the service or benefit desired; that only applicable information will be collected; that customers shall understand the reason the information is collected and be able to examine their personal record which is maintained by a public body.

Gathering Personally-Identifying Information

Certain visitors to the CPL website may choose to interact in ways that require CPL to gather personally-identifying information. The amount and type of information gathered depends on the nature of the interaction. In each case, the CPL collects such information only insofar as is necessary or appropriate to fulfill the purpose of the visitor's interaction. CPL does not disclose personally-identifying information other than as described below. Visitors can always refuse to supply personally-identifying information, with the caveat that it may prevent them from engaging in certain website-related activities.

Cookies

A cookie is a tiny piece of text that is placed on your computer's hard drive. If your browser is set to notify you before accepting a cookie, you will receive a request for a cookie to be stored on your computer. We do not use cookies to record any personal information. Cookies may be used by some web applications to pass needed information from one page to the next. We want to be sure you understand that accepting a cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any personal information about you. We analyze user traffic patterns on our web portal from information automatically provided by your browser when you visit our site. We use the statistical information gathered to measure site and server performance and continually improve the content of our sites to better serve you.

Google Analytics will create cookies on behalf of our domain to assist with analytical tracking.

Embedded Content & Links

Some pages on chesapeakelibrary.org may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, forms, etc.) Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website. These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking and monitor your interactions with the embedded content, including tracing your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged into that website. This policy applies only to our online activities and is valid for visitors to our website with regards to the information that they share and/or collect here. This policy is not applicable to any information collected offline or via channels other than this website.

Our site has links to other sites you may find interesting or relevant. These sites may send their own cookies to your PC, collect data, or solicit personal information. The privacy policy described here does not ally to any external links. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any site you visit, especially if you share any personal information.

Third-Party Applications

The CPL uses third-party applications in order to provide online transactions such as requesting a service, improve site performance, offer better service or make various transactions easier.

Records Retention and Freedom of Information Act Laws

Public records will be retained in accordance to records retention laws and provided to the public in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA"). Note that information you provide via this website may be kept and provided to the public.

Privacy Policy Changes

Although most changes are likely to be minor, CPL may change its Privacy Policy from time to time, at our discretion or to keep in compliance with updated rules and regulations. We encourage visitors to frequently check this page for any changes to the Privacy Policy.

USA Patriot Act

The USA Patriot Act expands law enforcement's surveillance and investigative powers, and was signed into law on October 26, 2001. The CPL also subscribes to the values detailed in the American Library Association's Right to Privacy affirmations.

It is the policy of the CPL to comply with all Constitutional judicial processes while preserving patron confidentiality to the extent allowed by law. CPL will comply with court ordered subpoenas and warrants expeditiously, yet, at the same time, the CPL is charged to protect the privacy of its patrons as stipulated in Virginia's confidentiality laws.

CPL will not disclose to any individual, corporation, institution, government agent or agency confidential records without proper judicial process, defined as court ordered subpoenas and warrants. Confidentiality extends to "information sought or received, materials consulted, borrowed or acquired, and includes database search records, reference interviews, interlibrary loan records and all other personally identifiable uses of Library materials, facilities or services".

The CPL will seek legal advice on all court orders, and will ask that counsel be present before any search begins. It will follow subpoenas and warrants strictly to ensure that only the information requested is given.

The CPL Director and Assistant Director are the only Library staff authorized to work with law enforcement, legal services or any other government organization requesting patron information. Parties requesting protected information need to contact Library Administration.

References

Virginia Code- Confidentiality Law

Virginia Freedom of Information Act, 2.2-3705