Privacy

Privacy Policy

The Allegany County Library System (ACLS) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patrons. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information when you apply for a library card, use our services, make payments, or visit our website.

ACLS collects the following information:

• Name
• Birthdate
• U.S. mail address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Library card number
• Fine history

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Provide library services: Manage your account, process checkouts and returns, manage holds and renewals
• Communicate with you: Send overdue notices, hold notifications, library updates, and program information
• Process payments: Handle fines, fees, and donations securely
• Improve our services: Conduct statistical analysis and research to enhance library offerings
• Comply with legal obligations: Respond to valid legal requests as required by law
• Resolve cases of violations of library rules and regulations.
• Personal information and mobile numbers collected will not be shared, sold or rented to third parties for external marketing purposes.

Your rights and choices

Access and Correction

• Review and update your account information online or at any library branch
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Contact us to inquire about information we hold about you

Communication Preferences

• Opt out of promotional emails using unsubscribe links
• Choose your preferred method of receiving notices (email or text)
• Update communication preferences in your online account or by contacting us

Account Management

• Close your library account at any time
• Opt-in to retain your checkout history (disabled by default)
• Control cookie settings in your web browser

Security

ACLS is committed to ensuring that your information is secure. Physical, technical, and administrative 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

 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. The library uses a third party merchant and does not directly view or collect any credit card information.  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.

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

Confidentiality of Library Records

In accordance with Maryland law and professional library standards, we maintain strict confidentiality of:

• Materials consulted or borrowed
• Database searches performed
• Reference questions asked
• Computer and internet usage
• All other library service usage

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. We encourage families to discuss privacy expectations and library use.
• 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 Allegany County Library System’s Board of Trustees, pertinent Maryland statutes, and by any applicable U.S. federal laws

Note: Patrons may opt-in to retain their check out history in the library’s catalog database.  By default, the library does not retain that information.

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.

Cookies and Website technology

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand website usage (anonymized)
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

Your Cookie Choices

• Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings
• Disabling cookies may limit website functionality
• You can delete cookies at any time through your browser

Links to other websites

The ACLS 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 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.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will:

• Post the updated policy on our website
• Note the effective date of changes
• Notify users of significant changes via email or prominent website notice

Privacy Questions or Concerns

John Taube
Email: jtaube@alleganycountylibrary.info
Phone: 301-777-1200 ext 1005
Mail: Allegany County Library System, 31 Washington St, Cumberland MD 21502

Website: www.alleganycountylibrary.info

Terms and Conditions for Text Messages

If you sign up for text messages from the Allegany County Library System

• You will receive account notifications, and messages relating to customer service.
• The frequency of messages will vary.
• Message and data rates may apply.
• You can get help by replying to a text with the word HELP, or by contacting your local branch.
• You can opt out of text messages at any time by replying to a text with the word STOP,  by updating your account online, or by contacting your local branch.

Personal information and mobile numbers collected through Message Bee will not be shared, sold or rented to third parties for marketing purposes.