Valley of the Tetons Library (VTL) District recognizes the importance of privacy in connection to intellectual freedom. Library cardholder account records are protected by Idaho Code Section §74-108. Confidentiality regarding materials checked out, materials used and activities performed with our resources and within our spaces are important to us. The following outlines what information we retain, who can access it, and what measures we are taking to protect your privacy.
The personal information collected by the library is as follows and kept within our system until patrons ask that their membership be removed from the library, patrons have let us know they have moved, the death of patron OR records are purged due to inactivity. Library accounts must be renewed every three years.
No listing of library patrons, their addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses or other contact information is provided to any person or organization, except as may be required by a warrant, subpoena, law enforcement or court command, or as otherwise required by law.
All patron information will be kept strictly confidential in line with Idaho Code Section §74-108(4), which exempts libraries from any obligation to share circulation or other records connecting the names of library users. We do not provide this information to any person or organization, except as required by a warrant, subpoena, law enforcement or court command, or as otherwise required by law. Based on the type of card issued, the following may apply:
As part of our commitment to maintain privacy, and to avoid internal mistakes, library staff will verify patrons accessing library services that require the use of library accounts. Forms of authorized verification include:
Pursuant to Idaho Code Section §74-113, a person may, with certain exceptions, inspect and copy Valley of the Tetons Library District confidential records pertaining to that person, and request a correction of information which is not accurate, relevant or complete. Pursuant to Idaho Code Section §74-102(10), the Valley of the Tetons Library District is authorized to charge fees for actual labor and copying costs if (1) the request is for more than 100 pages of paper records, (2) includes records from which confidential information must be deleted, or (3) the actual labor to respond to the request exceeds two (2) person hours.
The library does not retain credit card information. We do not take responsibility for third parties who offer credit card services, when mistakes made are out of our control.
When you visit VTL’s digital branch (including the website and third-party digital services like eBooks and digital magazines), a limited amount of information may be collected or transmitted to our partner companies who provide these services.
Our privacy policy is simple: We do not collect any personal information, such as names or addresses, when you visit our website. If you choose to provide that information to us, it will be used solely to fulfill your request for information or a service. We collect some technical information when you visit to ensure a seamless experience. The following section explains how we handle and collect technical information when you visit our website.
VTL collects and stores information to measure use of VTL’s website using Google Analytics. This data is collected in aggregate. VTL does not examine or record individual user’s use of the site. The aggregate information is kept indefinitely. The information collected includes:
If, during your visit to VTL’s website, you participate in a survey, fill out a form, or send an e-mail to VTL, the following additional information will be collected:
The information collected is not limited to text characters and may include audio, video, and graphic information formats you send us. The data is retained in accordance with Idaho Open Records Law. We use your e-mail address to respond appropriately. This may be to reply to you, to address issues you identify, or to improve our website further. Survey and form information is used only for the purpose designated.
Personal information refers to data about an individual that is readily identifiable to that specific individual, such as an individual’s name, address, and phone number. Domain names and Internet Protocol addresses are not considered personal information. We do not collect personal information about you unless you voluntarily participate in an activity that requests information (i.e., sending an email, filling out a form, or participating in a survey).
If personal information is requested on the website or volunteered by the user, state law and the federal Privacy Act of 1974 may protect it. However, once you provide this information, it becomes a public record and may be subject to public inspection and copying, unless protected by federal or state law.
Users are cautioned that the collection of personal information requested from or volunteered by children online or by e-mail will be treated the same as information given by an adult and may be subject to public access.
Children under the age of 13 are not eligible to use services that require the submission of personal information and should not submit any personal information to us. This includes submitting personal information to the website as part of a user profile or personalization profile. If you are a child under the age of 13, you can use these services only if used together with your parents or guardians. Seek guidance from your parents or guardians if you are under the age of 13. We will not provide personal information about children to third parties.
VTL’s website has links to other websites, including some that are operated by other government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. When you access another site, you are no longer on VTL’s website, and this Privacy Policy will not apply; you are subject to the privacy policy of that new site.
In order to use our third-party digital services, you log in to validate yourself as a VTL patron. Different services handle authentication different ways, but the following information may be transmitted to these service providers solely for the purpose of authentication and is usually collected in aggregate and/or anonymously: Name, address (or only zip code), library card number, the address of your computer (IP, device or internet provider), the date and time of site access, search terms used, which pages were accessed and/or downloaded.
Privacy policies are notably different when using digital content from third-party vendors. VTL cannot guarantee that privacy policies and Idaho confidentiality laws that apply to libraries will apply to these services. VTL recommends that you check the privacy policy of the company providing the product that you’re using.
Valley of the Tetons Library does not share information about who is in library spaces at any given time. Librarians cannot verify the relationship of a guardian over the phone. Librarians should not connect a child with any caller. In such instances, the librarian may offer to have a child call their guardian if they happen to find the described child on the premises. The same principle applies to adults in library spaces. When in need, library phone use will be offered to children to connect to a child’s guardian.
Any surveillance on library properties will not be available for public use, except as required by warrant, subpoena or to ascertain the source of property damage or to clear staff of potential erroneous allegations.
All warrants, subpoenas, or law enforcement/court commands for confidential information will be directed to the Library Director or designated library leadership. The library will first seek legal counsel on whether or not we must disclose the information requested. In cases where the demand does not appear to be supported by law, we may utilize appropriate legal procedures to oppose it.
Adopted by the Valley of the Tetons Library Board of Trustees on May 11, 2022. Legal and board review with approved updates on August 20, 2026.
