Your use of the Library's online services is voluntary. Please note these points for the protection of your privacy:

Chat Reference Service

Although chat services are offered anonymously to protect your privacy, please be advised that information you provide through the instant messaging tool is stored on servers located in the United States, and is subject to US privacy laws. When participating in a chat, remember:

** don't share any personal information (like your student number, email address, phone number, credit card information) **

SITKA ILS Shared Environment

VIU Library is part of the SITKA community of libraries using a shared instance of the Evergreen Integrated Library System (ILS).  We provide library service such as the searchable Library Catalogue, holds, check-out/in, and student account management through the ILS.

As a member of SITKA, we have access to a secure, Canadian-hosted, fully supported ILS in a shared environment with other libraries in BC and Canada, via the BC Libraries Cooperative.  It is a community-supported and developed system, responsive to the specific needs of our members.  To provide this service, the ILS obtains and stores some student information (e.g. first name, lastname, student number, email address, etc.) from the University’s student record system. This information is used by our library only and not viewable by other libraries in the shared ILS environment. To make use of library services at other SITKA member libraries, users will be asked for their consent before sharing their library record at these institutions.

Third Party Databases and Tools

When you connect to third party information sources and tools through the Library, we release only information that authenticates you as a member of our community.

Some of the Library's subscribed resources and services offer that you may create an account on the service provider's system to save bookmarks, annotations, searches, etc. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the privacy policies of any site you visit so that you can make an informed choice about providing any personal information. The University cannot provide assurances as to how external networks collect, use, or disclose your personal information.

For more information about protection of privacy at Vancouver Island University, see: 
https://gov.viu.ca/fippa/protection-privacy

See also best practice advice from VIU's Centre for Innovation & Excellence in Learning for protection of student privacy, particularly "Alternatives to Student Consent":
https://ciel.viu.ca/learning-technologies-innovation/online-blended-learning/maintaining-privacy-while-supporting-innovation