As a matter of policy, the UIS Library will respect the privacy of all users, in compliance with federal and state laws and professional standards. The Library will not reveal the identities of individual users or reveal what information sources or services they consult. This policy applies to all resources regardless of format or means of delivery, as well as to all services offered by the Library.
Brookens Library at UIS treats confidentiality as a serious matter. It is a cornerstone of the profession (ALA Statement on Privacy). It is our goal to collect only the minimum amount of information necessary. In all cases, the Library will avoid creating or retaining unnecessary records beyond the period needed to provide services to users.
User data may be aggregated and retained for a reasonable period of time. However, the Library will neither collect nor retain information identifying individuals beyond the period required by law. For user data not covered by public records laws, the Library will retain information only as long as it is needed to furnish a specific service (for example, lending a book, ordering a report, recording user service preferences, or conducting internal service evaluation).
All information gathered by the UIS Library in the course of doing business is considered confidential. It will be shared only among units in the Library in the provision of services.
Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act (1984) ensures the privacy of a library patron’s registration and circulation records. This act protects sensitive patron information from anyone wishing to obtain it, including a law enforcement or government official, unless a court order is issued and presented to the proper administrative office.
Records generated by the UIS Library are governed by the Illinois State Records Act. Library records will be retained according to the records schedules approved by the Illinois State Records Commission.
The Library keeps general statistics about its services and research consultations; however, the statistics do not include patron identification data. The Library retains email transcripts that may contain identifying details used only to provide service. The data are used for compilation of statistical reports and assessment. In the course of typical reference service, a University Library employee may forward information to other University Library staff members in order to answer questions efficiently and thoroughly. In such cases, the patron will be copied on the forwarded message.