It is the policy of NSU Libraries that the privacy of all library users shall be respected in compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and in accordance with professional standards. NSU Libraries maintains confidential personally identifiable information for library accounts of valid library users. NSU Libraries will not reveal confidential information related to the identity of individual users, including information and/or services used or requested, unless required by law, or as necessary to support a legitimate business purpose of NSU Libraries. This policy applies to all resources and services regardless of format and means of delivery offered by NSU Libraries.

NSU Libraries may aggregate and retain user data for a reasonable period of time, in order to assess the use or value of resources and services. It will, however, neither collect nor retain personally identifiable information except during the period of assessment and only when such data is necessary to evaluate or provide access to resources and/or services (i.e., circulating materials, user service preferences, or internal service evaluation/audit).

Access to personal information is restricted to library staff, or any other university department and business operating jointly with NSU Libraries and is to be used only for the purpose of conducting library business (i.e. providing resource access, collecting fines, recovering overdue books, documents, films, or other items or materials owned or otherwise belonging to the NSU Libraries). Furthermore, NSU Libraries may release information to NSU’s department of Public Safety in connection with alleged violations of law, or when a violation of University, campus, or NSU Libraries policies has taken place, or when failure to act might result in significant bodily harm or significant property loss.

Library users should be aware that NSU Libraries does not control the privacy practices of third party websites, when using one of our licensed databases or accessing websites.

Procedures for handling requests for access to library circulation records:

Library users are entitled to view their basic library account information in person at any NSU Libraries circulation department with valid identification (i.e., NSU Shark card/library card or Florida state identification card). This basic information includes contact information and information associated with current items on their record (i.e., titles, call numbers, due dates, hold requests, and fines). This information may also be viewed online through the NSU Libraries Catalog, after the library user’s authentication has been confirmed.

If a library user contacts NSU Libraries by phone or email regarding that individual’s record and s/he is able to provide his or her name and library identification number, NSU Libraries will provide some limited account information such as total number of current checkouts and fines. NSU Libraries will NOT provide library card numbers, addresses, phone numbers, or any details for materials currently checked out. Contact with a library user by phone or email that is initiated by NSU Libraries is exempt from this section.

Patrons who wish to have their holds picked up by another patron will need to fill out a form at the Circulation Desk. The patron who was granted access will need to have the library card of the account owner in order to check out items. During Covid, exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Director of Circulation. Contact the Circulation Department for these arrangements.

Any other kinds of requests for information regarding library user records will be directed to the NSU Libraries Administration for review.

NSU Libraries also adheres to the University’s related privacy policies and computer policies, published by the University’s Office of Information Technologies and Office of the University Registrar:

Other guidelines that NSU Libraries adheres to:

NSU Libraries reserves the right to amend this privacy policy at any time and without notice.