Library User Privacy Statement

USU Libraries adheres to requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and applicable sections of the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act regarding the privacy of library users' information.

Data Collection & Use

In order to track usage of library materials and equipment, process requests, or provide services such as online chat, personally identifiable information (PII) is collected from library users and stored in secure library systems. Unless required by law, this information will not be provided to non-USU entities or any other person or organization except the owning patron on the account. Data collected from online chats is anonymized once transactions are complete.

USU Libraries periodically collects data for the purpose of assessing Library and University services and resources and to adhere to federally mandated reporting requirements. PII is not collected unless an individual gives the Library specific consent to do so. Collected assessment data follows University protocol and policy for safeguarding PII.

E-resources & External Websites

Access to third-party databases and electronic materials is provided through Utah State University's single sign-on system. Library websites may also link to external websites or databases not operated by USU. The Libraries will not share PII with external parties, but users should be aware that these resources may have their own privacy policies governing the use of their services. Users should take care to understand those policies before providing personal information or linking to Google or other personal accounts. As of 2024, all newly acquired or renewed electronic resources and library systems undergo a contract review to ensure that the vendor agrees to comply with Utah’s legislated data privacy laws and the University’s data privacy policies. 

Web Analytics

The Libraries use Google Analytics to collect and store usage statistics for library-operated websites. Information such as network location, screen resolution, browser type, as well as which web pages are accessed and where users are referred from (e.g. a search engine or link you follow from another website). This information cannot be used to directly personally identify you and is collected for the purposes of analyzing and improving online library services. To opt out of sharing this information, simply disable cookies in your browser settings.