The Mohawk Valley Library System (MVLS), Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS), and the Joint Automation Project (JA), are committed to protecting the privacy of patrons, staff, and other contacts. Information that is collected will be used for library use only and will not be shared with non-library service related outside parties.

MVLS/SALS/JA adhere to New York State Law and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, § 4509, pertaining to libraries, library systems, trustees and librarians and reads as follows:

Library records, which contain names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute.

The Joint Automation Project does not record patron usage of database searches, individual member library computer use or interlibrary loan requests for materials outside of the systems.

Library records that are not necessary for the proper operation of member libraries and our systems are purged after 30 days.

It is the responsibility of library and system staff to purge their individual email and/or user files.

Text Messaging Terms and Conditions

For customers who opt in, MVLS/SALS/JA may send notices via text messaging services. Customers can expect to receive account notifications regarding holds, overdues, fines, and other general notices. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Customers may receive support by contacting any of our participating member libraries. Library staff will respond as able during regular business hours. Customers can opt out of receiving text notifications by texting STOP to cancel, logging into their library account at pac.sals.edu and changing their notification option, or by reaching out to a participating member library. Personal information and mobile numbers collected through opt-in will not be shared, sold or rented with third parties for marketing purposes.

Third-Party Vendors

MVLS/SALS/JA and participating member libraries often contract with third-party vendors to provide digital collections, streaming media content and more for use by library patrons and staff. Some of these vendors may collect and share the information you provide to them in order to use their services. You can choose not to use these third-party vendors.

MVLS/SALS/JA encourages all patrons and staff to be aware of the privacy policy of any online service they choose to use, including those provided by MVLS/SALS/JA through third-party vendors.