The Florida Gulf Coast University Library (University Library) webpages are part of the official website of Florida Gulf Coast University and collect information in accordance with the University Privacy Statement. The University Library and its third-party vendors may also collect specific information necessary to carry out their functions and to serve library patrons.
The University Library is committed to safeguarding the privacy rights of all University Library users in accordance with the principles of the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics. The University Library conditions this commitment through the privacy and public records obligations of the University Library governed by federal and state public record laws and privacy laws, as well as University regulations and policies. The following information explains the University Library’s privacy policies and procedures regarding various services and technologies. However, this explanation shall not be construed as a contractual promise. The University Library reserves the right to amend its policies at any time and without notice.
The University Library collects data regarding patrons’ use of library resources, including but not limited to, materials checked out, online databases or collections accessed, course material lists used, library trainings attended, library spaces reserved, research assistance received, and library technology used. The University Library also maintains several web-based management tools, such as forms related to renewing books, asking reference questions, reserving library spaces, etc. This information is collected for the purpose of analyzing and improving library collections and services. This data is not shared outside the University but may be provided to other University officials involved in program review and assessment. It is also used to maintain a patron’s University Library account and to communicate with the patron.
Additionally, when a patron connects to the University Library’s website, the University collects information on browser type, operating system, screen resolution, referring sites, search terms used to reach the website, individual web pages visited, IP address, and the domain from which the patron connects to the University Library website. This information is collected by the University Library as well as third-party vendors that provide statistical and software support.
The University Library website also contains links to websites and licensed databases that are maintained outside of the University Library by third-party vendors. The University Library is not responsible for the privacy practices of these external websites. Please review the external third-party privacy statements posted on their sites for their practices. Some University Library vendors may require the establishing of an account or profile to take full advantage of the services offered.
University Library staff will not give out the name of a person who is currently borrowing an item to another library user and will not release this information to any other entity outside the University. However, the University will comply with all lawfully issued court orders and subpoenas and furnish the documents and materials specifically listed in the court order or subpoena which may include personal information collected by the University Library.
It is recommended that patrons close the web browser after completing a session on any public computer in order to protect their personal information, including usernames and passwords.
Please know that under Florida law (section 668.6076, Florida Statutes), email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to the University. Instead, contact the specific office or individual by phone or in writing.
Approved: 5/28/2025
