Date Adopted: 210621-11
Resolution No. 251117-9
Section 1. Privacy Policy
The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (SMFPL) is committed to protecting the privacy of its patrons and website users. Earning and maintaining the trust of patrons—whether in person or online—is important to us.
SMFPL takes reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access to the information it collects.
This Privacy Policy explains what types of information SMFPL collects, how that information is used, and how patrons can manage their information. By sharing information with SMFPL, whether in person or through the website, users agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
Please note that this Privacy Policy applies only to information provided to SMFPL. SMFPL’s website contains links to other websites. When users leave SMFPL’s website, they should review the privacy policies of the external sites they visit.
For patrons who have previously shared personally identifiable information with SMFPL, this Privacy Policy explains how that information is used and protected. To help keep records accurate and current, patrons are encouraged to update their information when changes occur, such as a new address or email account.
Section 2: Personally Identifiable Information SMFPL Collects
SMFPL may retain personally identifiable information when it is voluntarily provided by a patron, whether through the website or in person. Such information may include a patron’s name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and email address (collectively, “personally identifiable information”).
SMFPL may also collect certain anonymous data to help improve its website and services. This automatically gathered data may include a user’s internet domain address, the content viewed on the website, and the type of browser used. Individual users will remain anonymous unless they voluntarily disclose their identity to SMFPL.
SMFPL may use “cookies” on its website. Cookies are small files stored on a user’s computer that allow SMFPL to recognize the device during future visits. For example, cookies may enable SMFPL to remember a patron’s preferred pickup location when placing hold requests.
Additionally, SMFPL may compile data about patrons and their use of library materials and services to help manage its operations. SMFPL may share this data with select third parties. This includes anonymized patron activity, such as checking out items or using a computer, but it does not include specific browsing history or book titles.
Section 3. CLEVNET Network – Use of Personally Identifiable Information
The CLEVNET Network is an integrated computer system consisting of hardware, software, databases, and automation services that together provide library information management for multiple Ohio libraries (“CLEVNET Contract Libraries”). Through this system, patrons have access to an online catalog that combines the holdings of SMFPL and other CLEVNET Contract Libraries.
Personally identifiable information provided to SMFPL, whether through the website or in person, is maintained by SMFPL but is accessible to all CLEVNET Contract Libraries.
CLEVNET Contract Libraries, like SMFPL, are required to keep patrons’ personally identifiable information confidential. Neither SMFPL nor any CLEVNET Contract Library will release personally identifiable information about patrons—including their use of materials and resources, whether electronic or print—except as described in this Privacy Policy or as required by law.
This Privacy Policy also applies only to SMFPL’s information-gathering practices, not to those of other CLEVNET Contract Libraries. Each CLEVNET Contract Library maintains its own privacy policy. However, all CLEVNET Contract Libraries have agreed to maintain the confidentiality of SMFPL’s patron information and to adopt similar privacy policies.