Privacy Policy of The Sheridan Libraries Web Site

The Sheridan Libraries (the Libraries) are committed to respecting the privacy of library users. This site is structured so that, in general, users can visit without identifying themselves or revealing any personal information. If users choose to provide personally identifiable information (any information by which an individual can be identified), the Sheridan Libraries will only use this information in responding to their inquiries. This policy sets forth the practices at the time this policy was last updated.  The Libraries reserve the right to change this policy and its practices and procedures at any time and for any reason.  Users are advised that technological changes may affect this policy.  Although it is the intention of the Libraries to act in accordance with this policy, the Libraries undertake no promise nor duty to do so, and make neither warranties nor representations concerning security and privacy.  Users are advised that despite reasonable efforts of the Libraries, personal information may be disclosed, and by using this site and these services, a user agrees that the Libraries will not be liable for any damages related to the use, or disclosure of personally identifiable information.

 Types of Information Collected
For visitors who read or download information, the following information is automatically collected and stored:

1. The type and version of browser and the operating system used when accessing the site,
2. The Internet domain (for example, "xcompany.com" if a private Internet access account, or "jhu.edu" if connected via The Johns Hopkins University domain) and IP address (an IP address is a number that is automatically assigned to a computer whenever it is surfing the Web) from which access to the Libraries' Web site is gained,
3. The date and time the site is accessed,
4. The Internet address of the Web site from which a user linked directly to the Libraries' site, if any; and
5. The pages visited and length of time spent on each while visiting the site.

The Libraries collect this information to help make the site more useful to visitors and to learn about the number of visitors to the site and the types of technology visitors use.  The data collected are not connected to a user's personal information or identity. This site does not use the "cookies" that some Web sites use to gather and store information about visits to their sites.

If a user chooses to use services that require the provision of personally identifying information via an e-mail message or by completing a form on this site:

Services such as Ask a Librarian, and requests for Libraries Service Center, Interlibrary Loan, Eisenhower Express Document Delivery Service assistance, Reserves (for students and faculty), as well as requests made to specific departments require that personal information be collected so that library staff may respond to user requests.  This information includes name, e-mail address, Johns Hopkins University status and departmental affiliation, if any.

 Uses of the Information Collected
The Sheridan Libraries of The Johns Hopkins University will act reasonably to ensure that any information that users provide is not accessed by unauthorized persons. The Sheridan Libraries do not sell, rent, share, or otherwise willfully disclose to any third party e-mail addresses or other personally identifiable information shared on this site. Personal information described above is stored in order to track aggregate statistics based on 1) whether a requester is a student, faculty or staff or visitor, and 2) whether the question was referred to a specific library department, and if so, which one. These two statistics are tracked in order to assess the types and quantities of users the Libraries serve and which library departments are providing services.

 Information Security
The Sheridan Libraries are serious about protecting and securing user information. The Sheridan Libraries employ physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to secure user information. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, the Sheridan Libraries computer systems employ industry best practices to identify and log unauthorized attempts to retrieve or modify information, or otherwise cause damage.

Unauthorized attempts to retrieve or modify information on this Web site are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act, Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and Title 18 U.S.C., Sections 1001 and 1030. Information also may be used for authorized law enforcement investigations. Except for the above purposes, no other attempts are made to identify individual users or their usage habits.

 Privacy Policy Revisions
The Libraries reserve the right to change or modify this privacy statement at any time.  If the privacy statement is revised, the Libraries will post changes on the homepage and other places so that users are continually aware of the information collected, how it is used, and under what circumstances, if any, it is disclosed.

 Site Management & Feedback
The Web Steering Committee of the Sheridan Libraries oversees the content, design and organization of this site, and can be reached at wsc@jhu.edu, or (410) 516-0632. The Committee can also be contacted if users experience functionality problems.

The Sheridan Libraries welcome user feedback on the materials in their Web site. All suggestions, ideas, and other information communicated to the Libraries through this site shall become the exclusive property of the Libraries. Users agree that their feedback communicated to the Libraries will not be obscene, offensive, defamatory, infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others, or otherwise objectionable or unlawful. The Libraries, while reserving the right to delete all or part of any communications that they deem in their sole discretion to be objectionable, assume no responsibility and make no warranty that they will undertake to do so.

Questions or comments about the Sheridan Libraries, their affiliates, Web site, or policies as outlined above should be directed to the Web Steering Committee at wsc@jhu.edu.

The Libraries will do their best to respond to e-mail inquiries in a timely manner, or forward them to someone within the Libraries or JHU Information Technology office who can more appropriately answer them. The Libraries make every effort to respond to e-mails as quickly as possible; however, please note, due to the volume of e-mails received, JHU personnel may not be able to reply in a period of time that meets user needs.

 Confidentiality of Library Records
The Sheridan Libraries recognize the confidentiality of information sought or received, and resources consulted, borrowed, or acquired by a library user. These materials may include database search records, circulation records, interlibrary loan records and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, programs or services, such as reference interviews. Accordingly, the Sheridan Libraries will not disclose such information except as required by applicable law.

Please note that the Libraries 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), or other state or federal laws. Subpoenas served pursuant to law may require the Sheridan Libraries to produce information about a library patron to law enforcement authorities without notifying the patron that the Libraries have done so.