At Richmond Public Library, we strive for the highest level of customer service in all areas of the library, including our website www.yourlibrary.ca. When you visit our site, some personal information is collected and used to provide better and more convenient service.
This privacy statement describes what happens when you visit and use our website. This statement abides by the privacy guidelines outlined in the provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).
Some areas of the site that ask for personal information include our 1-on-1 Help Form, Library Card Application and the Purchase Suggestion Form. Also, when you register for library programs through our website, your name, contact information, and the program description is recorded in our database. This allows us to verify and secure your spot in the program.
We will not sell or otherwise make available personal information that we have collected about you to outside parties. We may disclose personally-identifiable information in response to a subpoena, court order or a specific request from a law enforcement agency to assist in an investigation, or as required by law. As a public body, we abide by the privacy guidelines outlined in the provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).
During library programs and events, library staff may take photos and videos to be used for promotional purposes by the library. If you would prefer not to have your picture taken, please speak to a library staff member. Participants of online programs and events are asked to not take screenshots and/or record programs.
When you visit the library’s website, the web server automatically logs and stores the date and time of your visit; the IP address assigned to your computer; the type and version of the browser you use; the operating system on your computer; and the Web address of the site that referred you to our site. This information is kept for statistical purposes to improve web services.
As the library uses Google Analytics for the purpose of website use analysis, the following statement is mandated by Google’s terms of service:
“This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. (“Google”). Google Analytics uses “cookies”, which are text files placed on your computer to help the website analyze how users use the site. The information generated by the cookie about your use of the website (including your IP address) will be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States. Google will use this information for the purpose of evaluating your use of the website, compiling reports on website activity for website operators and providing other services relating to website activity and internet usage. Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google’s behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. You may refuse the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate settings on your browser, however please note that if you do this you may not be able to use the full functionality of this website. By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner and for the purposes set out above.”
Please note that if you choose to block Google’s cookie you will not lose any library website functionality as is suggested above.
Our website contains links to external sites not maintained by Richmond Public Library. We are not responsible for the content of external sites or for your privacy when you disclose information to other websites.
All online transactions involving sensitive information, such as your credit/debit card number, are conducted using a SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocol connection. This connection provides increased security to the information as it is transmitted to our website.
Any significant changes to this privacy statement will be highlighted on the website prior to the change taking effect, to allow time for feedback and comments from the community.
This statement covers privacy on the website. Privacy statements for other areas, such as circulation information, are being developed and will be posted as soon as they are complete.
Last Updated: June 2017.
Richmond Public Library provides access to the internet, public computer stations, and other electronic devices in keeping with its missions to:
from UNESCO Public Library Manifesto
Richmond Public Library’s Public Internet & Technology Policy applies to all types of computers and mobile devices, both owned by the Library and used on the Library’s premises or network.
Richmond Public Library reserves the right to modify these policies and guidelines when and where appropriate.
Richmond Public Library considers the Internet to be the most innovative, exciting learning tool of this century and its information resources one of the richest available to the public. Equally important, the Internet is an effective tool for empowering individuals to communicate and share ideas interactively with their community and the rest of the world.
However, as the Internet is an unregulated, worldwide environment, RPL takes no responsibility for the content or quality of information. Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information about users’ activities.
RPL does not manage or filter the content of the information accessed on the internet on its public workstations or Wi-Fi network, with the exception of designated children’s workstations. This policy is in keeping with RPL’s long-standing tradition of providing a safe and welcoming environment for children where they may find materials that are both age-appropriate and of interest to them. However, RPL assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and effectiveness of any installed filter. Unfiltered internet access will continue to be provided in other areas of the Library, and RPL will not limit children’s access to these stations. Parents and guardians are reminded that the restriction of a child’s use of a Library computer, including internet and wireless access, is their responsibility.
RPL provides access to the internet, computers, and other electronic devices because of their overwhelming value to the community. Safe, effective use of the Internet is best achieved when the Library and Library members co-operate in providing a learning environment that is safe and comfortable for all. Both the Library and Internet/Technology users have responsibilities in this regard.
The Library will:
Users will:
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The Richmond Public Library and the City of Richmond are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all visitors, staff and volunteers.
Unacceptable behaviour may include such conduct as:
Please report unacceptable behaviour to library staff.
All visitors are expected to behave respectfully towards others. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in being asked to leave, and possible suspension.
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The Richmond Public Library is committed to fostering an environment of respect, tolerance and understanding. Libraries have a responsibility to support a culture that recognizes diversity and fosters social inclusion.
The library strives to deliver inclusive service, recognizing and affirming the dignity of those we serve, regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental capabilities, or income. The library takes action to ensure that people can enjoy our services free from attempts by others to impose values, customs or beliefs.
The Richmond Public Library makes diversity and inclusion a priority in planning and decision making related to staffing, collections and service development.
Library staff will work with our communities to create services that our diverse communities identify as respectful, inclusive and accessible.
The Richmond Public Library Board endorses the Statement on Diversity and Inclusion as set out by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations.
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Richmond Public Library is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for staff and the public. A combination of measures will be utilized to minimize staff exposure to COVID-19. Our work practices and procedures will protect not only our staff, but also the public who enter our facilities. All staff must follow the procedures outlined in this plan to prevent or reduce exposure to COVID-19. The library will strive to find ways to control or eliminate exposure to COVID-19 by developing and implementing proper controls, safe work procedures and educating and training its staff. We will follow direction and controls as specified by the World Health Organization, BC Centre for Disease Control and the local Health Authority’s Medical Health Officer.
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