InfoSoup Patron Privacy Policy

Privacy Statement

InfoSoup is a shared library network of 30 libraries with 49 locations. Your privacy is important to us. Infosoup member libraries (hereafter referred to as “the libraries”) do everything we can to protect and respect your personal information and keep your library records confidential. The libraries strive to collect the least amount of personally identifiable information (PII) we can and avoid creating unnecessary records.

The libraries follow Wisconsin State Statute §43.30 which requires all public libraries in Wisconsin to guarantee the privacy of user records.

What information do we collect?

The libraries collect both personally identifiable information (PII) and anonymous information in order to provide library services to users.

Personally identifiable information is any information that could potentially identify a specific individual. The libraries collect the following PII from registered patrons:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
  • Date of birth
  • Library barcode number
  • Items currently checked out, requested, canceled holds, and interlibrary loans
  • Overdue items (until returned)
  • Fine and bill history
  • Guardian name (at some locations)
  • Sign-up information for library classes and events (at some locations)

This information is used to:

  • Create your patron account
  • Track the location and loan status of library materials
  • Verify eligibility to utilize library resources
  • Communicate with you about library materials and services, including but not limited to holds, due dates, and registration expiration
  • Register for library classes and events

Anonymous information is information that does not specifically identify an individual. The anonymous information collected by the libraires could include:

  • URL (uniform resource locator) of the web site you visited before the library’s website
  • Domain names and/or IP addresses (numbers automatically assigned to your computer whenever you are connected to the internet)
  • The browser version you are using to access the web site
  • Hardware and software type and language
  • Cookie data
  • Date and time of requests
  • Demographic data
  • Interaction data
  • Page Views, click data, and navigation flow

Who may have access to it?

  • All library user records are confidential. Library records may only be disclosed to:
  • Library staff performing job duties
  • Cardholders upon proof of identity
  • Parents or guardians of children under the age of 16
  • Law enforcement only with a valid subpoena, national security letter, or warrant

Library materials and borrowing history

The libraries do not keep a record of your borrowing history beyond operational requirements. Once you return an item, it is removed from your account. Items with lost or damaged fees will remain on your account until paid. 

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is used to check out some library materials, keep a record of the library collection, and secure the collection from theft. RFID tags attached to items only contain the barcode number of the item. No personal library user or transaction information is on the RFID tag.

Reading history is available to patrons who opt into this service in their InfoSoup account. Reading history is not ordinarily accessible to library staff.

Public computers and wireless network

The libraries do not keep a record of your activities on any public computer or on our wireless network. Any record of browsing history and activities on our public computers or wireless network are removed when you log out or disconnect. Information about your public computer reservation (library card number, computer number, reservation time, and session duration) is purged at the end of each day. 

Library websites

HTTPS

The libraries’ websites areencrypted with HTTPS. All communications between your browser and the library website are private. Your account and catalog searches are also encrypted.

Cookies

Some library applications use what are called “cookies.” A cookie is a small file created by a website and saved by your browser each time a site is visited. Cookies are stored on your computer and can transmit personal information. Cookies are used to remember information about preferences and customization on the pages you visit. You can refuse to accept cookies, disable cookies, and remove cookies from your hard drive by following the instructions provided by your browser. Some third-party services may not work if cookies are disabled. 

Data & network security

The libraries are committed to data security and keeping your personally identifiable information that is collected by our website safe. The libraries monitor network activity to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information or otherwise cause damage. The libraries operate secure data networks protected by industry standard firewalls and password protection systems. Only authorized individuals have access to the information provided by our users.

Children’s privacy

The safety and privacy of children is very important to the libraries. As with all other patrons, personal information collected from children by the librariesis not shared with any non-contracted agency or vendor. We encourage parents to take an active role in their children’s internet use and teach them about the importance of not revealing personal information online. 

Non-library websites

Non-library websites may be linked through the libraries’ websites and may not follow the same privacy policies as the libraries. Non-library websites include some of the links from our Digital Library, Learning & Research, My Library, and dispersed throughout the libraries’ websites. Visitors to such sites are advised to check the privacy statements of such sites and to be cautious about providing personally identifiable information without a clear understanding of how the information will be used.

Third Party Vendors

Note: Some online services offered by the libraries are serviced by third-party vendors. These vendors have their own privacy policies and terms of service and they are not beholden to the libraries’ privacy policies or terms or service.

The libraries works with third-party vendors to provide online learning, digital collections, streaming media content, analytics, and more. These third-party vendors include providers like Overdrive/Libby, NoveList, Tumblebooks, Ancestry, and more. Your interaction with these systems will be governed by their individual privacy policies. Some of these vendors may collect and share information you provide to them or require you to create a personal account to use their services. Check the vendor’s privacy statement and terms of service to learn more about how your data is tracked, stored, and used by them. We have provided links to individual privacy policies and terms of statements for many of our third-party vendors for your review. Inquire with the vendors directly if you have any specific questions about their data collection and management policies.

Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/c/legal/privacystatement

EBSCO/NoveList Plus: https://legal.ebsco.com/privacy-policy

Innovative Interfaces, Inc.: https://iii.com/privacy-policy/ and https://iii.com/services-privacy-policy/

OverDrive/Libby: https://www.overdrive.com/policies/privacy-policy

Shoutbomb: https://sb.shoutbomb.com/privacy-policy/

Tumblebooks: https://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/privacy.aspx

Unique Management Solutions: https://uniquelibrary.com/privacy-policy/