The Hazelton District Public Library is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of its patrons. Any personal information collected, used or disclosed by the Hazelton District Public Library is done so in accordance with the B.C. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
The Library’s legal authority to collect personal information flows from the Library Act and Section 26 of FIPPA.
The Hazelton District Public Library is a member of the BC Libraries Cooperative and adheres to their privacy policies which can be viewed at: https://bc.libraries.coop/support/sitka/sitka-shared-library-database-detailed-privacy-policy/
- Before or at the time of collecting personal information, we will identify the purposes for which information is being collected.
- We will collect and use of personal information solely with the objective of fulfilling those purposes specified by us and for other compatible purposes, unless we obtain the consent of the individual concerned or as required by law.
- We will only retain personal information as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes.
- We will collect personal information by lawful and fair means and, where appropriate, with the knowledge or consent of the individual concerned.
- Personal data should be relevant to the purposes for which it is to be used, and, to the extent necessary for those purposes, should be accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
- We will protect personal information by reasonable security safeguards against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification.
- We will make readily available to customers information about our policies and practices relating to the management of personal information.
We are committed to conducting our business in accordance with these principles in order to ensure that the confidentiality of personal information is protected and maintained.
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
- 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
Hazelton District 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.
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 our building. 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 Libby 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.
How can someone access or correct their personal information?
Individuals have a right to request access to personal information about them held by Hazelton District Public Library. To do so, a written request must be submitted to Hazelton District Public Library’s Privacy Officer (see contact information below). The request should provide enough detail to enable an authorized library employee to find the personal information.
An individual also has the right to request that personal information be corrected if they believe it to be incorrect. This can be done by submitting a request in writing to the Privacy Officer (see contact information below), or for simple change of address, telephone or e-mail information, that information can be corrected at the front counter.
Who can I contact about Hazelton District Public Library’s privacy policies?
Questions or concerns about this policy or how Hazelton District Public Library treats personal information can be directed to our Privacy Officer:
Chief Librarian
Hazelton Public Library
4355 Government Street
Hazelton, B.C. V0J 1Y0
Phone: 250-842-5961
Email: hdpldirector@citywest.ca
If, after you have inquired about your personal information, you are not satisfied with how your inquiry was handled by Hazelton District Public Library, you have the right to complain to the British Columbia Information and Privacy Commissioner.
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia
P.O Box 9038, Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, BC. V8W 9A4
Toll free: Call Enquiry B.C. at 604-660-2421 (Vancouver) or
1-800-663-7367 (elsewhere in B.C.) and request a transfer to 250-387-5629
Email: info@oipc.bc.ca
Website: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/
For the complete HDPL Privacy policy see Section 3700 of the
HDPL Constitution and Policy 2021_ V1.2 for more detailed information.