Enable Reading History

Maintain My Reading History

Maintain My Reading History is a feature that allows you to save a list of everything that you check out from the library. If you decide to enable this feature, you should be aware of the privacy implications of saving your reading history particularly in relation to the Patriot Act. You should also be aware that anyone with your library card and password will have access to your reading history through your online account.

Instructions to Enable Reading History

Visit the Library Catalog
Select My Account
Log into your account by typing in your barcode/username and pin number
Select “My Record” from the navigation pane
Scroll to “Contact Information and Preferences.”
Select “Maintain My Reading History”

The system will start saving a list of titles beginning with any titles that you check out after you have opted in. Anything that you checked out before you started saving your history will not be on the list even if you renew the items.

You can choose to disable your reading history whenever you want. If you choose to opt-out, all titles on your list will be deleted and will not be able to be recovered.

Instructions to Disable Reading History

Visit the Library Catalog
Select My Account
Log into your account by typing in your barcode/username and pin number
Select “My Record” from the navigation pane
Scroll to “Contact Information and Preferences.”
Deselect “Maintain My Reading History”

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will have access to my reading history?

If you choose this option, you should be aware of the privacy implications of saving your reading history particularly in relation to the Patriot Act. Also, please be aware that anyone with access to your library card number can check your reading history or any other information attached to your account.

What are the implications for My Reading History in terms of confidentiality and the USA PATRIOT Act?

Library patrons need to be aware that using My Reading History means this information is being stored on the Library’s server. If we are served with a subpoena, My Reading History information might have to be surrendered to law enforcement officials with respect to the USA PATRIOT Act.

What is the USA PATRIOT Act?

On October 25, 2001, Congress passed the “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism” (USA PATRIOT) Act. The act broadly expands law enforcement’s surveillance and investigative powers, with Sections 214-216 applying to libraries and bookstores.

What are Sections 214-216 of the USA PATRIOT Act?

These sections of the Act give law enforcement agencies expanded authority to obtain Library records, secretly monitor electronic communications and prohibit libraries and librarians from informing users of such monitoring or information requests.

What happens if I lose my card?

You will not lose your reading history if you lose your card. However, you should notify the library right away so that others cannot get access to your library account and your reading history.

What happens when the library removes a title from the collection?

If we remove a title from the collection, you will see the message “Information no longer available” instead of the title.