Privacy Policy

(En Español: Política De Privacidad)

This privacy policy sets out how Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) uses and protects information submitted by customers when applying for a library card, making a credit card payment, using our PC reservations system or accessing the AACPL website. AACPL is committed to protecting the privacy of its customers. Identifiable information will only be used in accordance with this privacy policy.

AACPL may change this policy by updating this page. Customers are encouraged to check this page often to be aware of any privacy policy changes. This policy is effective from September 30, 2013

AACPL collects the following information:

  • Name
  • Birthdate
  • U.S. mail and email address
  • Phone number
  • Driver's License number
  • Library card number
  • Fine history

What is done with this information?

This information gives AACPL the ability to provide customers with access to their library accounts and library services that library card ownership provides and to maintain information necessary for the operation of the library. AACPL will never sell or give away any of your information for any non-library related purpose. The Library will not provide information from the patron database to any individual or agency other than the person or persons named on the account unless presented with a subpoena.

Personal information may also be used in the following ways:

  • Internal record keeping
  • Assisting customers with their accounts
  • Notification and collection of fines and overdues
  • Notification of outstanding holds
  • Sending of informational emails about library services, promoting Library advocacy initiatives, and soliciting financial support for the Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation, Inc.
  • Statistical analysis of library users to improve services.
  • Contact for research purposes that would help us improve our services.
  • Resolving cases of violations of library rules and regulations.

Controlling your personal information

If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please contact the Library so that any inaccuracies will be corrected.

Security

AACPL is committed to ensuring that your information is secure. Physical, electronic and managerial procedures are in place to safeguard and secure the information and to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.

 Confidentiality extends to information sought or received, materials consulted, database search records, reference interviews, interlibrary loan records and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services.

Credit Card Privacy Practices

AACPL offers customers the ability to pay fines and fees online by credit card by accessing their library card account.  Customers may also pay by credit card at any branch.  The Library records the amount paid and immediately the customer's account is credited.

Your records are kept strictly confidential.  We do not retain records of your account activity beyond what is necessary to conduct account operations. Credit card payments are processed in compliance with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard to ensure secure transactions.  Your credit card information is kept private and is not shared or sold to anyone.

In order to process your credit card payment, it is necessary to collect your name and credit card information. Only the minimum amount of information that is required to process your payment is collected. This includes your name, credit card number, expiration date, and CVV code.

At the time your payment is processed, all of your information is encrypted to keep it private. Credit card numbers are encrypted, rather than being saved as plain text.  Customers are required to enter their card's CVV code to prevent fraud.  Digicert's Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology is used on library systems to protect the security of your credit card information as it is transmitted. Our payment site also has an extra layer of protection in the form of a security certificate.

All information supplied is protected in full compliance with the standards set forth by the PCI Security Standards Council, LLC.

Circulation Records

As noted previously in this policy, the Library will not provide information from the patron database to any individual or agency other than the person or persons named on the account unless presented with a subpoena. The following exceptions apply.

Exceptions: 

Customer information and titles of items currently charged to a record may be shared with a parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 18.

  • The amount of fine or fee that is due may be given to someone other than the person on the account but titles and account history will not be disclosed.
  • Materials on hold may be checked out by a family member on the original requestor's account.
  • Privacy and public records obligations of the Library are governed by the Anne Arundel County Public Library's Board of Trustees, pertinent Maryland statutes, and by any applicable U.S. federal laws

Public Computer Use

The Library's PC Reservation System erases the history and temporary Internet files that accrued during each individual session.  Once logged off, there is no link between a person's library card number and what was viewed.  

Individuals are responsible for logging off when their session is finished in order to protect their privacy and insure that other individuals are not using a library workstation still logged on to someone else's account. Please read the Computer Use Policy for more details.

In accordance with the U.S. Patriot Act (Public Law 107-56), the library must allow an immediate search and possible seizure of equipment or information if presented with a FBI National Security Letter or Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Warrant.

Website

How we use cookies
A cookie is a small file, which asks permission to be placed on a computer's hard drive. The file is added, and the cookie tracks where you go while you are on our website. Cookies can also allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

AACPL uses traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps the Library analyze data about web page traffic and tailor its website to customer needs. AACPL only uses this information for statistical analysis purposes.

A cookie does not allow the library to access your computer or any information about you other than the data you choose to share.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.

Links to other websites

The AACPL website contains links to other websites. The Library does not control these other websites and is not responsible for the protection and privacy of any information that you provide. Exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

Web Applications

The Library maintains or hosts several web-based management tools, such as online forms related to registering for a library card, updating personal information and asking reference questions. The personally identifiable information collected and stored will only be used to maintain your library account and communicate with you. It is not made available to any other entity outside the Libraries, except as required by law.

Approved by Board of Trustees Executive Committee 7-18-2013.  Revised and approved by the Board of Trustees 11-20-14.

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