Privacy policy
Privacy policy is the one page here where I'd add a real caveat: it's a legal document, and since OPL is a city entity (opelika-al.gov), the city may already have a website privacy policy or public-records language that this should align with. I'd run the final version past Rosanna, and ideally have someone on the city side confirm it doesn't conflict with an existing citywide policy. I'm not a lawyer, so treat this as a solid working draft, not legal sign-off.
One accuracy note: I've kept the data-collection language general because what Preservica's Universal Access portal actually logs (analytics, cookies, server logs) depends on their configuration. If you can confirm from Preservica's own docs what the portal collects, we can tighten the specifics. Here's a draft that's safe on the general side:
Privacy Policy
The Opelika Public Library Special Collections and Archives is committed to protecting the privacy of everyone who uses this portal. This policy explains what information we collect when you visit, how we use it, and the choices available to you.
Information we collect
When you browse this portal, our platform may automatically collect standard technical information, such as your IP address, browser type, the pages you view, and the date and time of your visit. This information helps us understand how the collection is used and how to improve it. The portal may also use cookies, which are small files stored by your browser, to support basic site functionality. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, though some features may not work as intended.
If you contact us by email, submit a research request, or offer to donate materials, we collect the information you choose to provide, such as your name, contact details, and the substance of your inquiry. We use this information only to respond to you and to carry out the work of the archive.
How we use your information
We use the information we collect to operate and improve this portal, to respond to inquiries and research requests, and to steward the collections in our care. We do not sell your information, and we do not share it with third parties for marketing purposes.
Third-party platform
This portal is hosted on Preservica, a digital preservation platform. Preservica processes technical information on our behalf as part of delivering the service. Some materials in this portal are also shared with statewide and regional aggregators, such as AlabamaMosaic, to make Alabama's documentary heritage easier to discover.
Public records
The Opelika Public Library is a public institution. Communications you send to us, including research requests and correspondence about donations, may be subject to Alabama public records law.
Links to other sites
This portal may link to other websites, including the main library site and partner institutions. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of sites we do not operate, and we encourage you to review their policies.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page.
Contact
If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact:
Murray Rice, Local History and Archives Librarian
Opelika Public Library, Special Collections and Archives
1100 Glenn Street, Opelika, AL 36801 mrice@opelika-al.gov
(334) 705-5387