The University Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is committed to the protection of privacy for users in compliance with all federal and state laws and professional standards related to the personal information of our users. These include:
What Library Data We Collect
User & PATRON Information
Information collected regarding the use of resources provided by the University Library.
USE OF LOCAL ONLINE RESOURCES
Information collected through the use of a library computer or network.
WEB ANALYTICS
Information collected via use of the Library website and digital collections.
How We Use Library Data
User & PATRON Information
Locating or recalling library materials, processing overdue notices, updating patron database, making collection development decisions, resolving billing matters, or resolving issues related to Library circulation policies.
USE OF LOCAL ONLINE RESOURCES
Identifying, evaluating, and responding to trends in resource use, as well as investigating remote access issues and improving user experience of online resources.
WEB ANALYTICS
Data is used to improve services and identify priority needs and to improve the user experience, such as by using “cookies” to maintain user session and preferences settings.
How We Collect Library Data
Automatically
Integrated library system (ILS) and other library services produce and collect information. For members of the university academic community the Library receives personally identifiable information from campus administrative systems. Some third-party vendors (e.g. Google) also collect data and make it available to the Library.
How Long We Retain Library Data
Based on a combination of operational need and regulatory requirements
Personally identifiable data about the use of local online resources are typically retained for internal operational purposes for a period of 180 days. Policies, regulations, and standards from the University, government, or relevant third parties may dictate retention periods for specific data.
How We Share Library Data
As required by law or policy
University Library does not make library data available outside of the Library or for other purposes, except as required by law or appropriate law enforcement procedures. Any request for confidential information from patron records coming from a law enforcement officer or investigative agent of the state or federal governments, MUST be referred to the University Librarian. The Library produces statistical reports (summary data, no personal identifiable information) that are required by the University of Illinois, U.S. Department of Education and other stakeholders. Anonymized library data may also be used in research to improve library services.
Information collected by third-party tools
The University Library subscribes to many databases and contains links to a wide range of websites. We strongly urge you to carefully read the policies associated with these resources when you use them, because personal information that you provide could be mined for marketing or other purposes. The policies of these entities are not within our ability to control although the Library negotiates with these parties to assure respect for the confidentiality of the information they gather.