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Michael Schwartz Library

Privacy & Confidentiality Statement

The Michael Schwartz Library endorses the American Library Association Code of Ethics statement on privacy: "We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted."

  1. Patron Record Confidentiality

    The library keeps records of items checked out to you, or for which you owe fines or replacement costs. The library does not keep records of items that were checked out and returned by you in the past. The library computer system logs catalog searches for statistical purposes, but does not associate those searches with individual patrons.

    The library complies with Ohio Revised Code Section 149.432, which restricts the disclosure of library records and patron information. Library staff are specifically prohibited from revealing circulation information to other patrons, and are generally prohibited from using patron record information except for authorized work-related purposes. The library may be required to provide information in response to a court order or subpoena, in which case the university's attorneys will be promptly notified.

  2. Privacy

    The library sometimes needs to collect personal information about you through online forms, in order to authenticate you as a valid CSU patron or to fulfill your request for library materials. The library does not sell your information to commercial marketers.

    Library servers log IP addresses and other data regarding visits to the library's websites. The library uses Google Analytics and other log-analyzing software to monitor and improve the performance of library services. Some programs will place a browser cookie on your computer, but you may choose to configure your computer to refuse cookies.

  3. External Sites

    The library's websites link to various web sites and services that are not under the library's control. The library is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those external sites.