Official web site of Edmonton Public Library
This web site is the property of the Edmonton Public Library. No other Edmonton Public Library web sites are permitted or authorized.

Guiding Principles
The Edmonton Public Library web site has several key roles:

• Facilitate access to and usage of library resources and services
• Enable customer self-service
• Provide access to unique web based content and services
• Promote EPL events, locations, news and services

Links to External Web Sites
All links are selected for inclusion on the web site based on the merits of the external web site and its value to the Library's customers. Web sites may be chosen for informational or recreational value. Every effort is made to choose the best web sites and to reflect a broad diversity. The selection of links is not comprehensive, although it does offer significant depth of coverage in areas of specialization or particular local interest. Because of the rapidly changing nature of the Internet, the Edmonton Public Library cannot ensure the current content of any previously selected site.

Priority is given to local resources and to topics of particular interest to Edmonton Public Library customers.

Links to the Edmonton Public Library Web Site
Links to the Library's web site from other compatible organizations’ web sites are encouraged.

Permission is granted to link to any page of the web site as long as the Edmonton Public Library's pages and their content clearly appear as Edmonton Public Library’s property. It is expressly forbidden to present content from any of the Edmonton Public Library pages in such a way as to make it appear to have been produced by another organization (this may include but is not limited to framing the Library's content within another web site' s pages).

The Edmonton Public Library does not offer reciprocal linking, but will consider any external web sites suggested as possible external links.

Content
Virtual Services is responsible for the content, function and look of the web site. Subject experts are assigned responsibility for content in specific areas.

Advertisements
Advertisements promote only Edmonton Public Library events and services. The Library does not accept external advertising on the web site.

Partnerships
If a web site or link, which has been chosen on merit, has an affiliate program, consideration is given to the terms and conditions of the program. Virtual Services will not enter into any exclusive relationships without the approval of senior management. If the affiliate program has no problematic terms or conditions (e.g. Customer privacy must be protected), the Library may join the program to take advantage of the financial benefit. Any arrangements that may potentially damage support for the Library and/or its reputation in the community will be avoided.

Confidentiality
It is the policy of the Edmonton Public Library Board to safeguard the confidentiality of transactions between the Library and its borrowers, in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The choice of books and other library materials, and the use of the informational resources of the Library, are matters of private concern and therefore the Library will make every reasonable effort to ensure that information about borrowers and their choices remains confidential. In this way, the public can make full and effective use of library resources with the sure knowledge that no others will know the books they read, the materials they use and the questions they ask.

The Edmonton Public Library Board will endeavour to ensure that no information will be disclosed to third parties regarding, but not limited to:
1. A borrower's name.
2. A borrower's address (including e-mail address).
3. A borrower's telephone number.
4. Whether a person is a registered borrower or has been a borrower.
5. The Library's circulation records and their contents.
6. The Library borrowers' records and their contents.
7. The number or character of questions asked by a borrower.

The foregoing is subject to the following:
- any lawful orders of the court;
- established procedures for recovering Library property;
- the rights of parents and guardians respecting minors.