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Privacy Policy

The Fort Nelson Public Library (FNPL) is committed to protecting the personal privacy of all its members. Any personal information collected, used, or disclosed by FNPL is done so in accordance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). The Library’s legal authority to collect personal information stems from the Library Act and Section 26 of FOIPPA.


Collection and Use

FNPL takes every reasonable precaution to protect and respect the personal information of its members. FNPL collects and uses personal information in accordance with FOIPPA to conduct library business and to provide programs and services to its members. Accordingly, except in the limited circumstances provided for in FOIPPA, personal information about an individual will be collected directly from that individual. Individuals will be informed of the reasons for collecting personal information at the time of collection and provided contact information for FNPL’s Privacy Officer for any questions or concerns.
Personal information collected primarily includes:

  • Name
  • Birth Date
  • Home Address
  • Email
  • Phone Number
  • Mailing Address
  • Fee history (for lost or damaged items)
  • Overdue Items (until returned)
  • Sign-up information for library events and programs
  • Questions or feedback received from members

Additional information may be requested regarding placing holds, suggestions for purchase, contest submissions, complaints, etc. This information is used only for the purpose for which it was collected.

FNPL will not collect, use, or disclose personal information unless individuals have provided consent in accordance with the Library’s privacy policy or where required or permitted by law. Unless an individual consents to some other use, personal information will only be used for the stated purpose for which it was originally collected. Personal information may be collected for uses such as:

  • Access to library materials, services, and programs
  • Collection of fines, fees, and debts
  • Room rentals
  • Communications
  • Fundraising
  • Protection of FNPL property
  • Security of users and staff
  • Non-identifiable statistical purposes
  • In limited instances, as provided for in FOIPPA.

FNPL will take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information held by the Library is accurate, complete, and up to date.


Children’s Privacy

Children have the same rights as adults with respect to their personal information under FOIPPA and, as such, have the right to make privacy decisions for themselves. Where a child is deemed “incapable” of exercising their right to access, correct or consent to disclosing their personal information, the child’s parent/guardian may do so on the child’s behalf. Parents or guardians of children aged 12 and under will have the right to access their minor child’s account.

The Library assumes that children of thirteen years and older are generally capable of exercising their own rights. Capable minors aged thirteen or over must consent to the disclosure of personal information and consent to parents or guardians being named on their account. The Library will request identification of any parent or guardian named on the child’s account to verify the identity of the guardians before disclosing information.


Protection of Personal Information

FNPL uses reasonable security measures to protect against unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure, or disposal. Security measures include administrative, physical, technological, and operational safeguards that are appropriate to the nature and format of the personal information. FNPL’s security cannot protect information while in transit over the Internet. Information sent to FNPL by email or through messages on social media is not secure.

When is Personal Information Disclosed?

The library will not rent or sell personal information. FNPL will not disclose personal information to third parties except in accordance with the exceptions permitted under FOIPPA, including as set out below or with an individual’s consent. Personal information is disclosed only in accordance with FOIPPA and the Library’s privacy policy.

Examples of where personal information may be disclosed include:

  • When an individual has provided consent to the disclosure
  • To a collection agency for the purpose of collecting a debt
  • For the law enforcement purposes, such as where required by subpoena, warrant, or other order.
  • Where there are compelling health and safety concerns
  • To contact a person’s next of kin in the case of an emergency while that person is visiting the Library.

Third-party Vendors

FNPL works with third-party vendors to provide online services, digital collections, and streaming media content. Some of these vendors may collect and share information you provide or require you to create a personal account to use their services. Examples of these include Libby through Overdrive and LinkedIn Learning. These websites have their own privacy policies.

We recommend that you review the privacy policy and terms of service of any third-party website you visit before agreeing to their services and to learn about how your information will be stored, tracked, and used by them. FNPL bears no responsibility for the privacy policies and practices of third-party websites.


Privacy Officer

The Library Director, or designate, serves as the Library’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Officer under FOIPPA. The Privacy Officer is responsible for training staff, compliance, and the security of private information collected.

If you have questions about this policy, please get in touch with the Library’s Privacy Officer by phone, email, or mail at:

Library Director – Fort Nelson Public Library
Mail:

PO Box 330
Fort Nelson, BC, Canada
V0C 1R0

Email: librarian@fortnelson.bclibrary.ca
Phone: (250) 774-6777