Library Policy: Privacy

Objective

The purpose of this policy is to affirm the Board’s commitment to privacy and to identify policy implications of this commitment.

Policy Statement and Details

Your privacy is important to us. At Burnaby Public Library, we do everything we can to protect and respect your personal information and keep your library records confidential. We strive to collect the least amount of personally identifiable information we can and avoid creating unnecessary records. We recognize that users' choices about the materials they borrow and websites they visit is a private matter. We make every reasonable effort to ensure that information about your use of library collections, services and programs remains confidential.

Burnaby Public Library abides by the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). The Chief Librarian, or designate, serves as the library’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Officer under FIPPA.

What information do we collect?

We collect both personally identifiable information and anonymous information in order to provide library services to users. Personally identifiable information is any information that could potentially identify a specific individual. Personally identifiable information collected by the library may include:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
  • Date of birth
  • Items checked out or requested, cancelled holds, and interlibrary loans
  • Overdue items (until returned)
  • Fee history (for lost or damaged items)
  • Sign-up information for library events and programs
  • Questions or feedback received from you

We respect your right to access, correct or request the removal of any information we have about you. Please contact us if you need us to correct your name or any other information that identifies you.

Who has access to your information?

All library user records are considered confidential. Your library record may be accessed by:

  • Library staff performing job duties
  • You, with your library card or upon proof of identity
  • A person with your library card number
    • Please keep your library PIN private and report lost or stolen cards immediately

The library may disclose personal information:

  • If the Chief Librarian determines that compelling circumstances exist that affect a person’s health or safety
  • To facilitate contact with the next of kin or a friend of an individual who is injured, ill or deceased
  • To law enforcement with a valid subpoena, warrant or other court order
  • To a contracted library service provider, strictly for the purpose of maintaining library electronic services

Burnaby Public Library will otherwise only use personal information for the purpose for which it was originally collected or in a manner that is consistent with those purposes.

Library materials and borrowing history

The library does not keep a record of your borrowing history beyond operational requirements. Once you return an item, it is removed from your account. Payment details for lost or damaged items remain on your account for one year. If you are a user of our Home Library and Accessible Services, your borrowing history is kept longer with your permission, in order to assist staff in selecting materials for you.

Public computers, devices and wireless network

The library does not keep a record of your activities on any public computer or device, or the library’s wireless network. Any record of browsing history or activity is removed when you log out, return the device, 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.

Surveillance cameras

Library locations have security cameras inside and/or outside buildings. Video footage is kept for seven (7) days. Video is only available to view by supervisors in response to security incidents that threaten the safety of people or property. Footage may be disclosed to law enforcement in response to a valid subpoena, warrant or court order; to assist in an investigation related to a security incident at the library; or where the Chief Librarian determines that compelling circumstances exist that affect a person’s health or safety.

Children’s privacy

Children have the same rights as adults with respect to their personal information. The library does not monitor children’s use of library services and collections. 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. A parent or guardian may act for a minor in relation to specific sections of FIPPA if the minor is incapable of acting under that section.

Third-party vendors

The library works with third-party vendors to provide online services, digital collections, streaming media content and more. Examples include BiblioCommons, Overdrive/Libby, Kanopy and LinkedIn Learning. When you leave the library website, 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 in order 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. Inquire with the vendors directly if you have any specific questions about their data collection and management policies.

Contacting the privacy officer

If you have questions about this policy, you can contact the library’s privacy officer at 604-436-5427. You can also email privacy@bpl.bc.ca or write to:

Privacy Officer
Burnaby Public Library
6100 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC V5H 4N5

Last Reviewed: 2021-12-09

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