Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), a Minnesota non-profit government agency, collects, uses, maintains, and discloses information collected from users of this website. This policy applies to all services offered by our agency through this site.

Information Collection and Use

We collect information in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13). All data collected is classified according to state law as public, private, or confidential.

Personal Information

We may collect personal identification information from users in various ways, including:

• When users visit our site
• When users register on the site
• When users fill out forms
• When users subscribe to newsletters or services
• In connection with other activities, services, features, or resources we make available

Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, mailing address, phone number, and other relevant information. Users may visit our site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us.

Non-Personal Information

We may collect non-personal identification information about users whenever they interact with our site. This may include the browser name, type of computer, technical information about users' means of connection to our site, operating system, Internet service provider, and similar information.

Web Browser Cookies

Our site may use "cookies" to enhance user experience. Users' web browsers place cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. Users may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies or to alert them when cookies are being sent. Note that some parts of the site may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

How We Use Collected Information

We collect and use user information for the following purposes:

• To improve customer service: Information helps us respond more effectively to customer service requests and support needs
• To personalize user experience: We may use aggregate information to understand how users as a group use our services
• To improve our site: We continually strive to improve our website based on feedback we receive
• To process transactions: We may use the information users provide when placing an order or requesting services
• To send periodic emails: The email address users provide may be used to send information, respond to inquiries, and/or other requests
• To comply with legal obligations: As required by Minnesota law and regulation

Data Classification Under Minnesota Law

In accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Chapter 13), data collected by this agency is classified as follows:

• Public Data: Data available to anyone upon request
• Private Data: Data accessible only to the subject of the data and authorized personnel
• Confidential Data: Data not accessible to the public or the subject of the data

Users have the right to access private data about themselves as provided by Minnesota Statutes, Section 13.04, subdivision 3.

How We Protect Your Information

We adopt appropriate data collection, storage, and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information, and data stored on our site.

Sensitive and private data exchange between the site and its users happens over an SSL secured communication channel and is encrypted and protected with digital signatures.

Sharing Your Personal Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent users' personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information with our business partners and trusted affiliates for the purposes outlined above.

Information may be shared in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, including but not limited to:

• With other government agencies as required by law
• In response to a court order or subpoena
• With service providers who assist us in operating our website
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of the agency, our users, or others

Third-Party Websites

Users may find content on our site that links to external sites and services. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our site. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our site, is subject to that website's own terms and policies.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information without parental consent, please contact us.

Your Rights Under Minnesota Law

Under Minnesota Statutes, Section 13.04, you have the following rights:

• The right to access private data about you
• The right to be informed about what data we collect and how it's used
• The right to request a copy of your data
• The right to request correction of inaccurate data
• The right to know what data is classified as public, private, or confidential

To exercise these rights, please contact our Data Practices Compliance Official using the information provided below.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the top of this page. We encourage users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.

Your Acceptance of These Terms

By using this site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our site. Your continued use of the site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, your dealings with this site, or wish to exercise your rights under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, please contact: