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

Research Help - Chat Service

Chat services are offered anonymously to protect your privacy. No personal information is required for access to research help. To use this platform (LibAnswers), the system writes one or more cookies in your browser. These cookies are not shared with any third parties. In addition, your IP address and browser information is stored in server logs and used to generate anonymized usage statistics. VIU Library uses these statistics to gauge the use of library content, and the information is not shared with any third parties.

When participating in a chat, please avoid sharing any personal information such as your student number, email address, or phone number unless it is necessary for the query.

Queries that may require personal information:

• Interlibrary Loans
• Fines
• Library Account (Renewals, Holds, etc.)
• Troubleshooting access to eResources

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