the Internet Public Library

Server Access Log Policy

The Internet Public Library collects information on the use of our server and resources. Our records tell us the address of the machine which is accessing our server (though not an email address of a particular person), the date and time of the access, the files accessed, and whether or not the access was successful. We collect this information for several reasons:

• For our information, and for the compilation of statistics regarding use of the Library and its resources,
• For research projects relating to our mission as an experimental project seeking to learn about the nature of librarianship and libraries in a networked environment,
• To help us improve our services to our community of users.

Libraries have long resisted attempts by individuals, organizations, and governments to obtain circulation records. The improper release of such records would have a chilling effect on access. Fear of public disclosure, particularly among those who read or view controversial or unorthodox materials, would result in deterring people from seeking information through the Library.

Our records are not to be used to identify types of resources used by or personal information about individuals. Under no circumstances shall Library staff provide information of any kind about an individual user.

No Library records shall be made available to the public, press, or governmental agency, except by such process, order, or subpoena authorized by national, state or local law. The Director of the Library shall resist such process, order, or subpoena until there is a proper show of good cause. Any costs incurred by the Library in any search of records shall be charged to the agency demanding such a search.

(Note: We are grateful to the Sacramento, California Public Library and the Fort Vancouver Regional Library in Vancouver, Washington, from whom we have borrowed language for this policy.)

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