Privacy Policy - Ask a Librarian

The EMU Library respects the privacy of our patrons. This policy is intended to let users know what information is collected by the e-mail and chat services and how this information is used.

What information is collected and why?

We ask for a name, e-mail address, the subject of the question being asked, your status, and your question.

We use the following information for the following purposes:

• Name: We need a name to identify a chat session and in communicating with you during that session. While a name is required, it does not have to be a full name or a real name. Names are stored in session transcripts.
• E-mail address: An e-mail address is required so that we may send you a transcript of the chat session, and/or follow up on your question. E-mail reference requires an e-mail address so that we can respond to you.
• All other information requested – subject, status, and any information requested during the chat or email conversation – will be used by the librarian(s) in order to answer your question more effectively.

We also use the above information, as well as transcripts of chat sessions, to help us determine appropriate staffing levels, to train librarians for this service, and to evaluate the service. .

Who has access to this information?

This information is only accessible to librarians and staff associated with the Ask A Librarian service.

Who does the library share the information with?

We do not share personal information collected through this service with anyone outside of the Library. Statistics generated from chat logs or e-mails, as well as anonymous excerpts, may be used for reports or research. Information about specific individuals (e.g. e-mail addresses, names, etc.) will not be shared unless ordered by a court of law or by subpoena under the USA PATRIOT Act.

What choices do users have about the collection, use, and distribution of their information?

If you would like, we can delete the history of your questions from the Ask A Librarian database. Please contact [email protected] with your name and e-mail address, as well as the date, so that we can identify the exact chat transcript(s) or e-mail(s) to delete.

Last Updated: October 5, 2004