CINXE.COM
Temple University Libraries | Virtual Reference Privacy Guidelines
<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>Temple University Libraries | Virtual Reference Privacy Guidelines</title> <meta name="csrf-param" content="authenticity_token" /> <meta name="csrf-token" content="3cUtqlAPxTDg85AGHbl30_sOr5ugw6N62nToZXi-IWbfq8jES2nbZ0k-NApLG8Dq7JSOsrziFl5aKkAstAIx4w" /> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/application-2669d20841db339166c31cecac3af967d83ac9bbd25915c08b433d8001d93d32.css" media="all" data-turbo-track="reload" /> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/application-2669d20841db339166c31cecac3af967d83ac9bbd25915c08b433d8001d93d32.css" media="print" data-turbo-track="reload" /> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/print/application-b63a861ddf448a7199dfc31fed1686a2fdd96ac18c703bd591cfbd1b3a851e79.css" media="print" data-turbo-track="reload" /> <style> @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Faustina:ital,wght@0,300..800;1,300..800&family=Roboto:ital,wght@0,100;0,300;0,400;0,500;0,700;0,900;1,100;1,300;1,400;1,500;1,700;1,900&display=swap'); </style> <script src="/assets/application-58bb4674441cda9880b8b2a24e18638c8c5a38a69864c598b18050800856b32d.js" data-turbo-track="reload" defer="defer"></script> <!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script nonce="XHxwcg/VEcgIZ6kd" async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=GTM-5BNMS63"></script> <script nonce="XHxwcg/VEcgIZ6kd"> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'GTM-5BNMS63'); </script> </head> <body class="" data-controller="jumble external-links"> <!-- Google Tag Manager (noscript) --> <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5BNMS63" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <!-- End Google Tag Manager (noscript) --> <div class="row d-none d-print-flex"> <div class="col-6"> <h1>Temple University Libraries</h1> </div> <div class="col-6 text-end"> https://library.temple.edu/services/privacy </div> </div> <div id="skip-link"> <a class="element-invisible" tabindex="1" href="#skiplink_ada">Skip to main content</a><br /> <a class="element-invisible" onclick="document.getElementById('search-block').focus();" tabindex="2" href="#">Skip to site search</a> </div> <div id="header"> <div id="header-top" class="container-xl"> <div class="row d-print-block mx-0 px-0"> <div class="col-12 py-3 logo-container text-start"> <h1 class="d-inline"> <a class="header-name" id="header-logo" href="/"> <img class="header-logo" alt="" src="/assets/temple-logo-t-box-90cc3fa538df8cb198867442038a1dac87756f1e375393193f775e8760013fdf.svg" /> <span>University Libraries</span> </a> </h1> <div id="header-search" class="d-none d-lg-inline float-end d-print-none"> <div class="header-search-container"> <a class="pe-3" href="https://tuportal.temple.edu">TUportal</a> <a href="/support-the-libraries">Support the Libraries</a> <form action=https://librarysearch.temple.edu/everything id="global-search" name="header-search"> <label for="librarySearch" class="visuallyhidden">Search Everything</label> <input type="text" name="q" id="librarySearch" placeholder="Search books, articles, the library website, and more..." autocomplete="off" /> <input type="submit" value = "" aria-label="submit search query"> <input type="hidden" name="search_field" id="search_field" value="all"> <ul class="ms-xl-3 text-start"> <li><a href="https://librarysearch.temple.edu/books">Books</a></li> <li><a href="https://librarysearch.temple.edu/articles">Articles</a></li> <li><a href="/databases">Databases</a></li> </ul> </form> </div> </div> <div class="d-md-inline float-end mt-4 pe-3 d-lg-none text-end d-print-none"> <button id="mobile-search-button" class="navbar-toggler icon-toggler" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#mobile-search" aria-controls="mobile-search" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Toggle search form"> <span class="navbar-toggler-icon" id="search-toggler-icon"> <div class="bar1"></div> <div class="bar2"></div> <div class="bar3"></div> </span> </button> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="wrapper" class="container-xl"> </div> <div class="bg-dk-red"> <div class="container-xl px-0 px-md-3"> <div class="row d-none d-sm-none d-md-none d-lg-block" id="main-menu"> <div class="nav-container px-lg-2" role="navigation"> <div class="btn-group dropdown"> <button name="button" type="button" id="aboutMenuButton" class="btn btn-lg btn-secondary dropdown-toggle disabled" data-bs-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" method="get">About</button> <div class="dropdown-menu" id="about-links"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-4"> <div class="list-group h-100" id="list-tab" role="tablist"> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples active" id="about-welcome-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#about-welcome-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Welcome</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="about-reports-statistics-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#about-reports-statistics-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Reports & Statistics</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="about-support-the-libraries-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#about-support-the-libraries-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Support the Libraries</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="about-policies-guidelines-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#about-policies-guidelines-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Policies & Guidelines</a> <a class="p-2 ps-3" href="/categories/blogs-news">Blogs & News</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-8"> <div class="tab-content mb-4" id="nav-tabContent"> <div class="tab-pane fade active show" id="about-welcome-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="about-welcome-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/welcome">Welcome</a><span>Dean's Welcome, our mission & history, diversity statement</span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/mission-key-functions">Mission & Key Functions</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/operating-principles">Operating Principles</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/strategic-actions">Strategic Actions</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/tulup-diversity-statement">TULUP Diversity Statement</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/jobs">Employment Opportunities</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/employment-opportunities-for-temple-students">Employment Opportunities for Temple Students</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/temple-university-libraries-history">Temple University Libraries History</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/academic-assembly-of-librarians">Academic Assembly of Librarians</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/organizational-charts">Organizational Charts</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="about-reports-statistics-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="about-reports-statistics-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/publications-reports-statistics">Reports & Statistics</a><span>Newsletters, annual reports, statistics</span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/annual-report">Annual Report</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/system-summary">Facts & Figures</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/speaking-volumes">Speaking Volumes Newsletter</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="about-support-the-libraries-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="about-support-the-libraries-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/support-the-libraries">Support the Libraries</a><span>Making gifts and donating materials, Student Library Advisory Board</span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/donate-books-other-gifts-in-kind">Donate Books & Other Gifts-in-Kind</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/hsl-giving">Giving to the Health Sciences Libraries</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=74FucSK1c0SOMRC9Asz25RaBtEw6SKZHmFKuxD6JtyZUMUdOUURIREZNU1FSRUpRR1NZVDJVR0kyTCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl">Sign up for our mailing list</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/student-library-advisory-board">Student Library Advisory Board</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="about-policies-guidelines-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="about-policies-guidelines-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/policies-guidelines">Policies & Guidelines</a><span></span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/charles-library-exhibit-policies">Charles Library Exhibit Policies</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/confidentiality-of-patron-records">Confidentiality of Patron Records</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/entrance-to-the-university-libraries">Entrance to the University Libraries</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/event-policy">Event Policy</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/request-permission-to-film-in-the-library">Request Permission to Film in the Library</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/standards">Temple University Libraries Community Standards</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/theft-of-library-materials">Theft of Library Materials</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/university-libraries-copyright-policy">University Libraries' Copyright Policy</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/using-electronic-resources-acceptable-use-guidelines">Using Electronic Resources: Acceptable Use Guidelines</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/privacy">Virtual Reference Privacy Guidelines</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="about-blogs-news-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="about-blogs-news-list"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="btn-group dropdown"> <button name="button" type="button" id="visitMenuButton" class="btn btn-lg btn-secondary dropdown-toggle disabled" data-bs-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" method="get">Visit & Study</button> <div class="dropdown-menu" id="visit-links"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-4"> <div class="list-group h-100" id="list-tab" role="tablist"> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples active" id="visit-temple-libraries-locations-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#visit-temple-libraries-locations-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Temple Libraries & Locations</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="visit-study-spaces-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#visit-study-spaces-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Study Spaces</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="visit-borrowing-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#visit-borrowing-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Borrowing</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="visit-computers-printing-technology-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#visit-computers-printing-technology-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Computers, Printing & Technology</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="visit-charles-library-public-spaces-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#visit-charles-library-public-spaces-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Charles Library Public Spaces</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="visit-visitor-alumni-access-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#visit-visitor-alumni-access-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Visitor & Alumni Access</a> <a class="p-2 ps-3" href="/categories/events-exhibits-workshops">Events, Exhibits & Workshops</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="visit-explore-charles-library-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#visit-explore-charles-library-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Explore Charles Library</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="visit-accessibility-services-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#visit-accessibility-services-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Accessibility Services</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-8"> <div class="tab-content mb-4" id="nav-tabContent"> <div class="tab-pane fade active show" id="visit-temple-libraries-locations-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="visit-temple-libraries-locations-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/temple-libraries-locations">Temple Libraries & Locations</a><span>Information about our different campus libraries and special collections</span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/libraries/ambler">Ambler Campus Library in the Ambler Technology Center</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/libraries/blockson">Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/libraries/charles-library">Charles Library</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/libraries/ginsburg">Ginsburg Health Sciences Library</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/libraries/japan-campus-library-system">Japan Campus Library System</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/libraries/podiatry">Krausz Library of Podiatric Medicine</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/libraries/law-library">Law Library</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/lcdss">Loretta C. Duckworth Scholars Studio</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/scrc-room">Special Collections Research Center</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/libraries/temple-rome-library">Temple Rome Library</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="visit-study-spaces-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="visit-study-spaces-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/study-spaces">Study Spaces</a><span>Group study rooms, quiet study areas, reservations</span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/24-7-study-area">24/7 Study Area</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/3rd-floor-open-reading-area">3rd Floor Open Reading Area</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/4th-floor-graduate-and-faculty-study">4th Floor Graduate and Faculty Study</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/4th-floor-quiet-reading-room">4th Floor Quiet Reading Room</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/health-sciences-libraries-study-rooms">Health Sciences Libraries Study Rooms</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/large-group-study-rooms">Large Group Study Rooms</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/study-rooms-small">Small Group Study Rooms</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="visit-borrowing-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="visit-borrowing-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/borrowing">Borrowing</a><span>Borrowing books, DVDs, and technology; borrowing from other libraries</span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/borrow-media-equipment">Borrow Media Equipment</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/borrow-a-laptop">Borrow a Laptop</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/borrow-from-another-library">Borrow from Another Library</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/distance-learners-book-delivery">Distance Learners Book Delivery</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/document-delivery">Document Delivery </a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/request-a-purchase">Request a Purchase </a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/self-check">Self Check</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="visit-computers-printing-technology-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="visit-computers-printing-technology-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/computers-printing-technology">Computers, Printing & Technology</a><span>Accessing and using technology at the Libraries</span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/assistive-technology">Assistive Technology</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/borrow-a-laptop">Borrow a Laptop</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/charge-your-device">Charge Your Device</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/community-computer-lab">Community Computer Lab</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/printing">Print, Photocopy & Scan</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="visit-charles-library-public-spaces-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="visit-charles-library-public-spaces-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/charles-library-public-spaces">Charles Library Public Spaces</a><span></span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/1st-floor-event-space">1st Floor Event Space</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/1st-floor-exhibit-space">1st Floor Exhibit Space</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/24-7-study-area">24/7 Study Area</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/3rd-floor-open-reading-area">3rd Floor Open Reading Area</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/4th-floor-quiet-reading-room">4th Floor Quiet Reading Room</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/room-401">Room 401</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/stella-s-cafe">Stella's Cafe</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/terrace">Terrace</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="visit-visitor-alumni-access-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="visit-visitor-alumni-access-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/visitor-alumni-access">Visitor & Alumni Access</a><span>Information for library visitors and community members</span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/alumni-services">Alumni Services</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/community-computer-lab">Community Computer Lab</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/1">Entrance to the University Libraries</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/get-a-library-card-non-temple">Get a Library Card (Non-Temple)</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/group-visit-requests">Group Visit Requests</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/guest-alumni-access-to-computers-online-databases">Guest & Alumni Access to Computers & Online Databases</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/health-sciences-libraries-visitor-policy">Health Sciences Libraries Visitor Policy</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/policies/reciprocal-borrowing-programs">Visiting from Partner Libraries</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="visit-events-exhibits-workshops-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="visit-events-exhibits-workshops-list"> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="visit-explore-charles-library-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="visit-explore-charles-library-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/explore-charles">Explore Charles Library</a><span></span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/explore-charles">Charles Library: What You Need to Know</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/charles-in-charge">Automated Storage & Retrieval System (BookBot)</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/scrc-room">Special Collections Research Center</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/one-stop-assistance-desk">One Stop Assistance Desk</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/media-coverage">Media Coverage</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/spaces/31">Charles Library Spaces</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/charles-library-virtual-tour">Charles Library Virtual Tour</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://alt.library.temple.edu/charles_hunt/">Expedition: Charles Library Scavenger Hunt</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://library.temple.edu/lcdss">Loretta C. Duckworth Scholars Studio</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/support-charles">Support Charles</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="visit-accessibility-services-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="visit-accessibility-services-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/accessibility-services">Accessibility Services</a><span></span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/assistance-with-library-materials-and-services">Assistance with Library Materials and Services</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/building-accessibility">Building Accessibility</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/remediation-of-library-materials">Remediation of Library Materials</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/technology-resources">Technology Resources</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="btn-group dropdown"> <button name="button" type="button" id="researchMenuButton" class="btn btn-lg btn-secondary dropdown-toggle disabled" data-bs-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false" method="get">Research Services</button> <div class="dropdown-menu" id="research-links"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-4"> <div class="list-group h-100" id="list-tab" role="tablist"> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples active" id="research-support-for-students-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#research-support-for-students-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Support for Students</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="research-support-for-instructors-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#research-support-for-instructors-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Support for Instructors</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="research-support-for-researchers-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#research-support-for-researchers-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Support for Researchers</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="research-collections-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#research-collections-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Collections</a> <a class="mt-0 p-2 ps-3 multiples" id="research-grants-fellowships-competitions-list" data-bs-toggle="list" href="#research-grants-fellowships-competitions-items" role="tab" aria-controls="home">Grants, Fellowships & Competitions</a> <a class="p-2 ps-3" href="/categories/library-workshops">Library Workshops</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-8"> <div class="tab-content mb-4" id="nav-tabContent"> <div class="tab-pane fade active show" id="research-support-for-students-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="research-support-for-students-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/get-started">Support for Students</a><span>Services and resources to help students succeed in classes, independent research, and beyond </span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://guides.temple.edu/overviewcitations">Citation Managers</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://guides.temple.edu/az.php">Databases</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/undergraduate-user-guide">Undergraduate User Guide</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/graduate-user-guide">Graduate User Guide</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://library.temple.edu/etextbooks">Etextbooks Available Through the Libraries</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://guides.temple.edu/home/courses">Library Course Guides</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://answers.library.temple.edu/">Library FAQs</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://guides.temple.edu/?b=s">Library Subject Guides</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/sme">Make an Appointment</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/tutorials">Tutorials</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="research-support-for-instructors-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="research-support-for-instructors-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/support-for-instructors">Support for Instructors</a><span>Learning services for faculty and instructors to support student success</span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/integrate-course-related-research-guides-into-canvas">Add Library Course Guides to Canvas</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/affordable-course-materials">Affordable Course Materials</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/assignment-design-support">Assignment Design Support</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/booking-requests">Booking Requests</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/copyright-the-classroom">Copyright & the Classroom</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/reserve-materials-for-your-course">Reserve Materials for Your Course</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/schedule-a-library-instruction-session">Schedule Library Instruction</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://guides.temple.edu/streaming">Stream Video to Your Online Course</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/80">Syllabus Statement</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/categories/textbook-affordability-project">Textbook Affordability Project</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="research-support-for-researchers-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="research-support-for-researchers-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/support-for-researchers">Support for Researchers</a><span>Services to assist Temple authors and researchers during all stages of research and publishing</span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/data-sharing-publication">Data Sharing & Publication</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/systematic-review-service">Evidence Synthesis and Systematic Reviews</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/finding-data">Finding & Citing Data</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/support-for-gis-mapping">GIS & Mapping</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/categories/publishing-services">Publishing Services</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/qualitative-data-analysis-and-tools">Qualitative Data Analysis & Tools</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/data-management-planning">Research Data Management</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/research-impact-scholarly-credentials">Research Impact & Scholarly Credentials</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/researcher-profiles">Researcher Profiles</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/categories/tuscholarshare">TUScholarShare</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="research-collections-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="research-collections-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/collections">Collections</a><span>Print and online resources to support the University's education and research needs </span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/charles-library-circulating-collections">Charles Library Circulating Collections</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://digital.library.temple.edu/">Digitized Materials</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/government-information">Federal Library Depository Program</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/webpages/memberships-consortia">Memberships & Consortia</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/scrc">Special Collections Research Center</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/videos-dvds">Videos & DVDs</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="research-grants-fellowships-competitions-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="research-grants-fellowships-competitions-list"> <h1 class="menu-category mr-4 pb-3"> <a href="/categories/grants-fellowships-competitions">Grants, Fellowships & Competitions</a><span>Award and fellowship opportunities</span> </h1><ul class="list-unstyled menu-items"> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/information-literacy-cross-team-grants">Information Literacy Cross Team Grants</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/innovative-teaching-with-makerspace-technology-grant">Innovative Teaching with Makerspace Technology Grant</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://library.temple.edu/services/faculty-fellowship-program">LCDSS Faculty Fellowship Program</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://library.temple.edu/services/graduate-extern-program">LCDSS Graduate Extern Program</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://guides.temple.edu/livingstone">Livingstone Undergraduate Research Awards</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://library.temple.edu/services/north-broad-press">North Broad Press faculty-authored open textbook grant</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="/services/4">Open Access Publishing Fund</a></li> <li class="mt-0"><a href="https://library.temple.edu/categories/textbook-affordability-project">Textbook Affordability Project</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="tab-pane fade" id="research-library-workshops-items" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="research-library-workshops-list"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="btn-group ml-2"> <ul class="list-unstyled d-inline-block"> <li class=""> <form class="button_to" method="get" action="/contact-us"><button id="contactMenuButton" type="submit" class="btn btn-lg btn-secondary dropdown-toggle disabled">Contact Us</button></form> </li> </ul> </div> <ul class="list-unstyled nav-right-links"> <li class="nav-right hours-nav"> <a href="/hours">Hours</a> </li> <li class="nav-right chat-nav" id="chat-nav"> <a target="_blank" aria-label="opens new tab" href="/chat">Chat</a> </li> <li class="nav-right account-nav"> <a href="https://librarysearch.temple.edu/users/account">My Account</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="row d-block d-lg-none text-center mx-0 px-0" id="mobile-search-container"> <nav class="navbar navbar-expand-lg navbar-dark"> <div class="collapse navbar-collapse" id="mobile-search" data-controller="failover-mobile"> <div class="navbar-nav"> <form action=https://librarysearch.temple.edu/everything class="mobile" id="mobile-search-form" data-failover-target="form"> <label for="librarySearch" class="visuallyhidden">Search Everything</label> <input type="text" name="q" id="librarySearch" class="mobile" data-failover-target="thequery" placeholder="Search books, articles, the library website, and more..." autocomplete="off" /> <input type="submit" class="mobile" data-action="click->failover#updatequery" value = "" aria-label="submit search query"> <input type="hidden" name="search_field" id="search_field" value="all"> </form> <ul class="text-center"> <li><a href="https://librarysearch.temple.edu/books">Books</a></li> <li><a href="https://librarysearch.temple.edu/articles">Articles</a></li> <li><a href="/databases">Databases</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </nav> </div> <div class="row d-block d-lg-none" id="mobile-nav"> <nav class="navbar navbar-expand-lg navbar-dark"> <button id="menu-button" class="navbar-toggler icon-toggler" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#mobile-menu" aria-controls="mobile-menu" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Toggle navigation"> <span class="navbar-toggler-icon" id="navbar-toggler-icon"> <div class="bar1"></div> <div class="bar2"></div> <div class="bar3"></div> </span> <span class="navbar-brand" id="main-navbar-brand">Main Menu</span> </button> <div class="collapse navbar-collapse" id="mobile-menu"> <div class="navbar-nav"> <div class="row"> <div class="col"> <a href="/about">About</a> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col"> <a href="/visit-study">Visit & Study</a> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col"> <a href="/research-services">Research Services</a> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col"> <a href="/contact-us">Contact Us</a> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col"> <img class="person-icon decorative" alt="" src="/assets/person-c0c6f4cc1db35222c7be0c6fe596063d550dbe4f3b795255642e60a4f7f9dce2.png" /> <a href="https://librarysearch.temple.edu/users/account">My Account</a> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col" id="chat-nav-mobile"> <img class="chat-icon decorative" alt="" src="/assets/chat-704cfb7003fb4213440cd6e2e954afce4c9dede9b41ceda24a81e61ed3d6be6f.png" /> <a href="/chat">Chat</a> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col"> <img class="hours-icon decorative" alt="" src="/assets/hours-f91c977d311074f35226e294fc0f0351a76e8a724fd2c709cb7dac76062fd34c.png" /> <a href="/hours">Hours</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="content" role="main"> <a href="#" name="skiplink_ada" id="skiplink_ada" aria-label="skip link"></a> <div class="lcs_slide_out"> <a target="_blank" aria-label="opens new tab" href="/sidebar">Chat</a> </div> <div class="row d-block d-md-block d-lg-none" id="secondary-mobile-nav"> <nav class="navbar navbar-expand-lg navbar-light"> <button id="mobile-menu-button" class="navbar-toggler icon-toggler" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#secondary-mobile-menu" aria-controls="secondary-mobile-menu" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Toggle navigation"> <span class="navbar-toggler-icon" id="sub-toggler-icon"> <div class="bar1"></div> <div class="bar2"></div> <div class="bar3"></div> </span> <span id="mobile-navbar-brand" class="navbar-brand"> Policies & Guidelines </span> </button> <div class="collapse navbar-collapse" id="secondary-mobile-menu"> <div class="navbar-nav"> <div class="leftside-index"> <div class="index-items"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><a class="category-home" href="/categories/policies-guidelines">Policies & Guidelines Home</a> </li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/charles-library-exhibit-policies">Charles Library Exhibit Policies</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/confidentiality-of-patron-records">Confidentiality of Patron Records</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/entrance-to-the-university-libraries">Entrance to the University Libraries</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/event-policy">Event Policy</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/request-permission-to-film-in-the-library">Request Permission to Film in the Library</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/standards">Temple University Libraries Community Standards</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/theft-of-library-materials">Theft of Library Materials</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/university-libraries-copyright-policy">University Libraries' Copyright Policy</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/using-electronic-resources-acceptable-use-guidelines">Using Electronic Resources: Acceptable Use Guidelines</a></li> <li class="selected"><a href="https://library.temple.edu/services/privacy">Virtual Reference Privacy Guidelines</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </nav> </div> <div class="container-lg"> <div class="row service-show"> <div class="col-3 d-none d-md-none d-lg-block"> <div class="leftside-index"> <div class="index-category"> <h2><a href="/categories/policies-guidelines">Policies & Guidelines</a></h2> </div> <div class="index-items"> <div> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/charles-library-exhibit-policies">Charles Library Exhibit Policies</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/confidentiality-of-patron-records">Confidentiality of Patron Records</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/entrance-to-the-university-libraries">Entrance to the University Libraries</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/event-policy">Event Policy</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/request-permission-to-film-in-the-library">Request Permission to Film in the Library</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/standards">Temple University Libraries Community Standards</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/theft-of-library-materials">Theft of Library Materials</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/university-libraries-copyright-policy">University Libraries' Copyright Policy</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.temple.edu/policies/using-electronic-resources-acceptable-use-guidelines">Using Electronic Resources: Acceptable Use Guidelines</a></li> <li class="selected"><a href="https://library.temple.edu/services/privacy">Virtual Reference Privacy Guidelines</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-12 col-md-9 col-lg-6"> <h1 class="unstyled">Virtual Reference Privacy Guidelines</h1> <div class="trix-content"> <p>Temple University Libraries respects the rights and privacy of our patrons and their records in accordance with the following institutional and professional policies and state law: </p> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://www.temple.edu/secretary/sites/secretary/files/policies/04.72.11.pdf">Temple University Comprehensive Information Security Program</a> [PDF]</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://library.temple.edu/about/policies/policy-on-confidentiality">Pennsylvania Law for the Confidentiality of Library Records</a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/statementspols/otherpolicies/policyconfidentiality">ALA Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records</a></p> </li> </ul> <p>Temple University Libraries understands "patron records" to include all records with identifying information about patrons, including the contextual information in transcripts of reference interactions.</p> <h2>What information is collected in reference interactions?</h2> <p>Email, chat, and text transcripts, as well as user email and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address">IP addresses</a>, are logged by a third-party vendor, <a href="http://springshare.com">Springshare</a>. All transcripts are password protected, for view only by designated library staff. These transcripts are restricted for the purposes of internal training, statistical reporting, and may at times be repurposed, once stripped of any identifying information, in our <a href="https://answers.library.temple.edu/index.php">FAQ knowledge-base</a>.</p> <p>Please note that we may collect the names and email addresses of users contacting us through the chat widgets on the library’s web pages. Any chats occurring through commercial instant message (IM) providers (AIM, Google, Windows Live, Yahoo!) may be logged by those companies. For more information, review the privacy policy of your IM account provider.</p> <h3>For those who wish to chat anonymously</h3> <p>If you wish to chat anonymously you may use the <a href="http://www.askherepar.org">Ask Here PA service</a>. </p> <h2>What is the information used for?</h2> <p>The transcripts are analyzed for the amount and types of questions we are being asked. This helps determine appropriate staffing levels and aids in training librarians to staff the reference service. Frequently asked questions may be at times be mined and repurposed in order to populate the <a href="https://answers.library.temple.edu/index.php">FAQ knowledge-base</a>, but no identifying information is made public.</p> <h2>Who has access to this information?</h2> <p>The information collected by the library and Springshare is accessible to Temple Libraries' librarians, staff, and administrators who need it in the course of their work.</p> <h2>Does the library share the information?</h2> <p>Statistics generated from chats, emails, and texts may be used for official reports or publications of Temple University Libraries. However, information about specific individuals (e.g. IP address, email address, name, phone number, etc.) will never be shared outside of the Temple University Libraries except as may be required by law.</p> <h2>What choices do users have about the collection, use, and distribution of their information?</h2> <p>Any patron may request to have their chat, email, or text transcript deleted by contacting the Libraries’ Learning and Research Services department. Users will need to provide their name, email address, or phone number, along with the date and approximate time of their transaction in order to help identify the correct transcript for deletion.</p> </div> </div> <div class="col-12 col-md-3 rightside-service"> <h2><span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.manifold.get_help">Get Help</span></h2> <div class="entity-help"> <div class="trix-content"> <p>Contact Steven Bell, Associate University Librarian for Learning and Research Services, at <a href="mailto:bells@temple.edu">bells@temple.edu</a> or 215-204-5023.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="application/ld+json"> {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","name":"Virtual Reference Privacy Guidelines","description":{"id":2835,"name":"description","body":"\u003cp\u003eTemple University Libraries respects the rights and privacy of our patrons and their records in accordance with the following institutional and professional policies and state law:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.temple.edu/secretary/sites/secretary/files/policies/04.72.11.pdf\"\u003eTemple University Comprehensive Information Security Program\u003c/a\u003e [PDF]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://library.temple.edu/about/policies/policy-on-confidentiality\"\u003ePennsylvania Law for the Confidentiality of Library Records\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/statementspols/otherpolicies/policyconfidentiality\"\u003eALA Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemple University Libraries understands \"patron records\" to include all records with identifying information about patrons, including the contextual information in transcripts of reference interactions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat information is collected in reference interactions?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmail, chat, and text transcripts, as well as user email and \u003ca href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address\"\u003eIP addresses\u003c/a\u003e, are logged by a third-party vendor, \u003ca href=\"http://springshare.com\"\u003eSpringshare\u003c/a\u003e. All transcripts are password protected, for view only by designated library staff. These transcripts are restricted for the purposes of internal training, statistical reporting, and may at times be repurposed, once stripped of any identifying information, in our \u003ca href=\"https://answers.library.temple.edu/index.php\"\u003eFAQ knowledge-base\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note that we may collect the names and email addresses of users contacting us through the chat widgets on the library’s web pages. Any chats occurring through commercial instant message (IM) providers (AIM, Google, Windows Live, Yahoo!) may be logged by those companies. For more information, review the privacy policy of your IM account provider.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFor those who wish to chat anonymously\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you wish to chat anonymously you may use the \u003ca href=\"http://www.askherepar.org\"\u003eAsk Here PA service\u003c/a\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is the information used for?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe transcripts are analyzed for the amount and types of questions we are being asked. This helps determine appropriate staffing levels and aids in training librarians to staff the reference service. Frequently asked questions may be at times be mined and repurposed in order to populate the \u003ca href=\"https://answers.library.temple.edu/index.php\"\u003eFAQ knowledge-base\u003c/a\u003e, but no identifying information is made public.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho has access to this information?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe information collected by the library and Springshare is accessible to Temple Libraries' librarians, staff, and administrators who need it in the course of their work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDoes the library share the information?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatistics generated from chats, emails, and texts may be used for official reports or publications of Temple University Libraries. However, information about specific individuals (e.g. IP address, email address, name, phone number, etc.) will never be shared outside of the Temple University Libraries except as may be required by law.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat choices do users have about the collection, use, and distribution of their information?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny patron may request to have their chat, email, or text transcript deleted by contacting the Libraries’ Learning and Research Services department. Users will need to provide their name, email address, or phone number, along with the date and approximate time of their transaction in order to help identify the correct transcript for deletion.\u003c/p\u003e","record_type":"Service","record_id":57,"created_at":"2021-03-26T14:09:37.312-04:00","updated_at":"2021-03-26T14:09:37.312-04:00"}} </script> </div> <footer> <div class="container-lg" id="print-page"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12 text-center py-3" data-controller="print"> <a id="print" data-action="click->print#printPage" href="#print">Print This Page</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="diagonal footer-diagonal"> <div id="diagonal-line"></div> </div> <div id="site-footer"> <div class="container-lg"> <div class="row social justify-content-between px-2 px-lg-4 mb-4"> <div class="col-12 col-sm-6 mt-4"> <a class="donate" href="/support-the-libraries">Support the Libraries</a> </div> <div class="col-12 col-sm-6 text-sm-end"> <ul class="mb-0 social-links"> <a href="/social-media"> <li class="instagram"> <img alt="instagram logo" src="/assets/IG_red_round-0b1cdf5a29d6c7daa32bd4f5a7c0d94c1b728806701998589c12accc148c2987.png" /> </li> <li class="facebook"> <img alt="facebook logo" src="/assets/FB_red_round-485db7574c6c623fc050b7fcf595d0135f2fa116136f10c4cb3c1d1432a6a06b.png" /> </li> <li class="twitter"> <img alt="twitter logo" src="/assets/Twitter_red_round-cad2ce5a4188aafe0283cf191073f4cb1d06b7ae1d38d9717a289c73c3b8853d.png" /> </li> <li class="linked-in"> <img alt="linked-in logo" src="/assets/linked-in-red-round-a2c9994df90b529eb3ffdfd7036b4e6f7d79a6b2d1f336a48603fc1adbd793db.png" /> </li> </a> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="row tu-links"> <div class="col-12 col-lg-8 px-0"> <div class="row"> <div class="col px-0 pt-2"> <h2><span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.manifold.default.footer.quick_links">Quick Links</span></h2> </div> </div> <div class="row mt-3 footer-quicklinks"> <div class="col-12 col-lg-3 px-0"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><a href="/ezborrow">EZborrow</a></li> <li><a href="/illiad">ILLiad</a></li> <li><a href="/find-by-citation">Find by citation</a></li> <li><a href="/forms">Patron Forms</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-12 col-lg-4 px-0"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><a href="/standards">Community Standards</a></li> <li><a href="/diversity">Diversity Statement</a></li> <li><a href="/categories/accessibility-services">Accessibility Services</a></li> <li><a href="/jobs">Employment Opportunities</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-12 col-lg-5 px-0"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><a href="/privacy">Virtual Reference Privacy Guidelines</a></li> <li><a href="/tu-home">Temple University homepage</a></li> <li><a href="/eblast-signup">Sign up for our email list</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-12 col-lg-4 px-0"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12 col-lg-9 offset-lg-2 px-0 address mt-4"> <p class="street-address mt-5">Temple University Libraries<br />1900 N. 13th Street<br />Philadelphia, PA 19122<br />(215) 204-8212</p> <p><a href="/numbers">Frequently Called Numbers</a></p> <p><a href="/people">Staff Directory</a></p> <p><a href="/org-charts">Library Organizational Charts</a></p> <p><a target="_blank" href="/staff-forms">Staff Forms</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col p-0 mt-0 mb-5"> <a href="/admin/services/privacy?admin=show"><img style="width: 35px" class="decorative" alt="" src="/assets/gear-c6c6d31c1bf4fc352dafbb4074eb2b7724cd5c29666beb6bbe1dcedef141abd4.png" /></a> </div> </div> </div> </footer> </body> </html>