Vendor Privacy Policy Pilot Project for RAILS Public Libraries

The Vendor Privacy Policy web page is now available for RAILS public libraries to access. This resource was developed in response to feedback from Electronic Subscription Managers Network Group (ESLUM) networking group members. The page contains links to privacy policies for third-party vendors who provide e-resources to public libraries.

The policy privacy links can be sorted and viewed by vendor, resource name, and library. In addition, libraries can share their customized list with staff and patrons by embedding or linking it to their library website or intranet. The ability to view RAILS library holdings of specific e-resources can help inform selection decisions, resource discovery, and foster collaboration on marketing and training.

Members must be logged into the RAILS website to add their library's vendor/e-resource information and view library holdings by resource. We encourage all RAILS public libraries to add their library's vendor/e-resource information to make this tool as comprehensive and useful as possible.

Team members who developed the Vendor Privacy Policy Project include, Bill Pardue (Arlington Heights Memorial Library), Michael Campagna (Barrington Public Library District), Lisa Greene (Vernon Area Public Library District), and RAILS staff members Jessica Barnes, Leila Heath, Jody Rubel, and Brian Smith. The group will continue to manage and monitor the project for the first year. Based on member feedback, we may expand the project to include school, academic and special libraries in 2022.