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UHN Virtual Library: Privacy Policy

UHN Library & Information Services Privacy Policy

Introduction

You privacy is important to us at University Health Network (UHN) Library and Information Services. This privacy policy was designed to help you understand how we process your personally identifiable information (Personal Data) on the UHN Virtual Library (Virtual Library).

1. Data Controller

UHN Library and Information Services is the data controller for any Personal Data that you disclose to us through the Virtual Library.

2. Types of Information We Collect

When you use the Virtual Library or are in contact with Library and Information Services via other means, we may collect information such as:

  • Contact details, for example your full name, department, phone number, email address, and postal address
  • Information about educational and professional background
  • Professional interests and communication preferences
  • Comments and questions about Library and Information Services
  • Any other information you choose to provide while using the Virtual Library
2.1 Integrated Library, Event Registration and Discovery Systems

UHN Library and Information Services uses LibraryWorld for its catalogue and Integrated Library System to manage its library transactions, Eventzilla for workshop registration, and Summon by Ex Libris for resource discovery. Some data will be stored and used by these services. 

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Information that does not directly identify you may be automatically collected when using the Virtual Library or other related library resources. Information collected can include IP address, cookies, general geographic location, computer / device identifiers, and information about the software (ex. Windows, Android, iOS, etc.) used to access them.

3. How We Collect Information

UHN Library and Information Services collects information about you in a few different ways:

  • Information provided directly by you through our online forms, surveys, via e-mail, over the phone, or in person;
  • Information collected automatically via technological means such as cookies and other such information as described in 2.2 Information Collected Automatically;
  • Information collected through third parties

4. Cookies and Similar Technologies

A cookie is a small file stored on your device that contains or is linked to information about you, your device, or your use of the Virtual Library. Cookies are required for successful use of the Virtual Library. UHN Library and Information Services does not use cookies for advertising and we do not share cookie data with third parties. Since cookies are an industry standard your browser may be set to accept cookies. You can configure your browser to reject all cookies or certain cookies, but if you do you may not be able to access certain features of the Virtual Library. For more information on cookies, please visit https://www.aboutcookies.org/.

5. How We Use Your Information

We may use your Personal Data for various reasons including:

  • To register you for library services;
  • To respond to your questions and comments;
  • To provide literature search services (including assisting with searches for systematic review work);
  • To provide interlibrary loan services;
  • To market our resources and services;
  • To register you for workshops and other training;
  • To improve our services

6. How We Share Information with Third-Parties

We may share information with third-parties such as:

  • Hosting, analytics, and cloud services;
  • Customer support services;
  • Event registration services;
  • Other library members of the Health Science Information Consortium of Toronto (HSICT);
  • Other libraries in North America for the purposes of fulfilling your interlibrary loan request;
  • Any other external services we might need to provide you with services and operate the Virtual Library; 

We will only share your Personal Data with third-parties to enable them to provide services for us or to help us provide services for you.

7. Security

UHN Library and Information Services is committed to ensuring your Personal Data is secure. Reasonable technical, physical and organizational security measures have been taken in order to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, destruction, or disclosure of your personal data.  

If you have reason to believe that a third-party has gained unauthorized access to your information, please contact us immediately using the information found in the Contact Us section of this policy below.

8. Access, Correction and Deletion

You have the right to request access to your own Personal Data. You also have the opportunity to update, correct, or delete such Personal Data. Please e-mail us at the e-mail address found in the Contact Us section of this Policy to access, correct, or have your Personal Data deleted. We will implement the requested changes, as soon as we reasonably can.

9. International Transfer of Personal Information

The Virtual Library is hosted on a server owned by Springshare LLC which owns data centers in several regions around the world, including United States, Canada, and the European Union. Every region operates independently of one another and Springshare makes all reasonable efforts to host customer data in their home region, which in this case would be Canada. (see Springshare's Privacy Policy)

10. Children

The Virtual Library is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not market to or knowingly collect personal data from children under the age of 18. Children should always have a parent or guardian's permission before sending information over the Internet. Please contact us using the information in the Contact Us section below if you believe that a child has provided us with personal information and we will delete that Personal Data.

11. Links to Other Services and Websites

The Virtual Library contains links to other websites and services, including journal, e-book and subscription database resources. Once you click on a link to another website / service you are subject to privacy and security policies of that other site or service. In some cases the Virtual Library contains 3rd party feeds, widgets, etc. that may appear to be part of the Virtual Library, even though they are provided / served by a third party. The library strongly encourages that when you leave the Virtual Library or use any embedded services you to read the privacy policies of these third party services or websites, especially if you share personal information with them.

Contact Us

If you have a complaint, dispute, or questions regarding this Policy or our treatment of your Personal Data, please contact us at:

General Contact

Jessica Babineau
jessica.babineau@uhn.ca
Phone: (416) 340-3549

Please allow up to 30 days for us to reply.