Ask a Librarian Privacy Policy

The Carl B. Ylvisaker Library staff respects our users' privacy. This policy clarifies the information collected by our IM chat service and explains how this information may be used.

The Library's IM privacy policy includes:

  • What information we collect,
  • Potential use of this information,
  • Who has access to chat information,
  • With whom chat information may be shared, and
  • Your choices regarding collection, use and distribution of chat information.

What information is collected by the chat service?

All chats are automatically logged by our IM software.

For what purposes might the information be used?

Chat information is used to help librarians analyze the number and types of questions we are being asked. This data helps us determine appropriate staffing levels and aids in training librarians to effectively use the service.

Who has access to this information?

This information is accessible only to faculty librarians and those library staff members who are associated with the Ask A Librarian service.

With whom might the library staff share this information?

Individual chats are not shared with anyone outside of the library. Statistics generated from chat logs or anonymous excerpts may be used for reports or publications. However, information about specific individuals (e.g., IP address, e-mail address, personal name, phone number, etc.) included as part of a chat transcript will never be shared outside of Concordia College's library.

What choices do users have regarding the collection, use and distribution of their information?

Any user who wants to have a record of the their chat deleted may email librarian Erika Rux to request deletion of a chat transcript. Patrons must provide the date of their chat and their screen name.

Carl B. Ylvisaker Library

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students