WRLS Patron Privacy Policy
Winding Rivers Library System (WRLS), the WRLSWEB consortium, and system member libraries are committed to protecting patron privacy. Protecting your privacy is important to us. We have a legal and ethical duty to protect the confidentiality of patrons’ personal information and library records.
Wisconsin statutes prohibit publicly funded libraries and library systems in the state from disclosing records indicating the identity of any individual who borrows or uses the library’s documents or other materials, resources, or services, except to custodial parents and/or guardians of minors age 15 and below, or for library administrative purposes, or in certain other circumstances specified in state statute (43.30) and federal law.
WRLS, WRLSWEB, and member libraries use a variety of third-party services and server logging tools to enhance security, assess interest and usage of various library services, count users, and assess the success of communications. Information you submit to the library may be provided to those third parties on a confidential basis so they can assist in providing services. In cases where patrons make use of third-party services’ websites, mobile apps, or other interfaces directly, they are encouraged to learn about the privacy policies of those services.
We and our software vendors use non-identifying and aggregate information to track statistics of activity. Search terms used to search the catalog are aggregated for reports, but we never track who specifically searched for those terms. We also track aggregate patron activity on our online catalog and mobile app such as online renewals, holds, or changes to patron records.
The system and member library websites include selected links to outside websites. Those websites may have different privacy statements and this notice does not apply. WRLS, the WRLSWEB consortium, and member public libraries are not responsible for protecting personal information gathered by outside websites.
Although WRLS, WRLSWEB, and member libraries make every effort to protect patrons’ privacy through compliance with state law and through local practice, under the federal USA PATRIOT ACT records of library activities (including materials borrowed and computer workstation usage) may be obtained by federal agents. That federal law prohibits library staff from informing patrons if federal agents have obtained their records. Additional information is available from the American Library Association webpage “The USA Patriot Act in the Library.”
Text Messaging Terms and Conditions
For customers who opt in, WRLS, the WRLSWEB consortium, and/or member libraries may send notices via text messaging services. Customers may receive account notifications, library service updates, event registration notices, and/or room reservation notices. Message types and frequency will vary depending upon a customer’s account activity. Message and data rates may apply.
Customers can opt in to receiving text messages by altering the notification preference in their patron account to “TXT Messaging,” either by requesting that WRLSWEB library staff make this adjustment in the patron account, or patrons can do this themselves by logging into their patron account online at https://windingrivers.na4.iiivega.com/, viewing their Account Portal and within that their Account view, clicking the pencil icon to edit their account information, and choosing the Preferred Contact Method of “Text 1” or “Text 2” that matches the cellular number at which they wish to receive the text messages, then saving that setting before exiting their online account.
Customers may receive support by contacting staff at their local library. Library staff will respond as able during regular business hours.
Failure to receive a library account notice does not waive patron responsibility for the timely return of library materials.
Customers can opt out of receiving text notifications by texting STOP to 844-223-3350; or by altering the notification preference in their patron account, which they can do themselves by logging in online at https://windingrivers.na4.iiivega.com/, viewing their patron Account Portal and choosing a non-text option as their Preferred Contact Method; or with the assistance of member library staff.
WRLS, WRLSWEB, and member libraries are committed to protecting the privacy of our patrons, customers, donors, and friends. We believe that privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association. This policy may change from time to time, and we encourage you to check it periodically.