Data Privacy

Cookies

SCPL's website makes limited use of cookies for data analytics and account login purposes. Data analytics allow us to see which pages on our site get the most visits and what type of browsers and devices are being used to access our resources. This helps give us a better understanding of what pages people are finding most valuable (and also what isn't being viewed). Knowing whether people are coming from desktop or mobile devices helps us make decisions about site design. The data that is collected is only used in aggregate--individuals are not personally identifiable.

In the online catalog, cookies are used to log you in to your library account and to display some personalized information, such as items that you have recently searched for.

Since cookies generally do more good than harm, browsers allow them by default. It is possible, though, to set your browser to disable or reject most cookies. This link gives instructions for how to change this setting in a variety of different browsers: https://www.wikihow.com/Disable-Cookies. Note: While you will still be able to browse our website with cookies disabled, you won't be able to log in to your online library account.

Third-Party Vendors

SCPL uses third-party vendors to provide digital collections, streaming media content and more. Some of these vendors may collect and share the information you provide to them in order to use their services.  You can choose not to use these third-party vendors.  

The types of information that could be collected by the vendors includes:

• When you register for the site, provide feedback and suggestions, request information, or create shared content.
• Internet Address (IP Address), search history, location-based data, and device information.
• Non-personally identifiable information, such as your ad views, analytics, browser information, cookie data, date/time of your request, demographic data, hardware/software type, interaction data, serving domains, page views, and the web page you visited immediately prior to visiting the site.
• Other data as described in the vendor’s privacy policy and terms of use.

This SCPL Confidentiality of Library Records & Patron Data Privacy Policy does not apply to any of the third party vendors we use. We recommend you review the privacy statements of the vendors below to decide if you agree to their terms. 

The Santa Cruz Public Library System assesses each vendor we use for multiple data privacy and protection best practices.  Each vendor is required to complete a Vendor Security Assessment Questionnaire, and respond to 78 questions in 7 areas:

• Service Overview
• Data Protection & Access Controls
• Policies & Standards
• Application Security
• Compliance
• Security Measures
• Which Data Are Collected