Harvard Libraries Privacy Statement The Harvard University Library is committed to protecting the privacy of Harvard Libraries users. Our policies conform to the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association, which provides this summation of the library community's commitment to privacy: "We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted." The library may store personally identifiable information in conjunction with normal loan operations, personalization features of E-Research @ Harvard Libraries, or other services. Please note that the library may be obligated to release such information to federal law enforcement agents in response to a search warrant or subpoena issued in accordance with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 50 U.S.C. 1861, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56). That law prohibits library staff from informing you that such a request has been received. Privacy of Electronic Resource Use Harvard Libraries are equally committed to protecting the privacy of the users of our electronic resources. While Harvard does gather data about system and resource usage for administrative purposes, the use of that information conforms to the precepts of confidentiality denoted in the Code of Ethics statement. Data gathered about each Harvard Libraries session varies according to the method of connection to the resource. The resulting logs contain information necessary for analyzing the use of resources, troubleshooting problems, and improving services. Log data is also used to distribute resource costs among Harvard libraries and faculties. These logs remain intact for approximately one fiscal year. Our commitment to user privacy extends to our agreements with online content providers, including support for the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) Privacy Guidelines For Electronic Resources Vendors. When using the services of an external provider, the privacy policies of that provider will apply. If you have any questions regarding this privacy statement, please feel free to contact us via the Harvard Libraries comment facility.

 

 

 

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Copyright © 2005 President and Fellows of Harvard College
Last modified 16 June 2005