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Privacy Policies

On this page we have summarized the privacy policies of some of the most common databases at community colleges. We have also given them grades based on their dedication to privacy to help librarians better understand and compare how these databases treat patron information. See the bottom of the page for the grading rubric. 

Grading Rubric

Below is an overview of the rubric used to assess the privacy policies listed above. For each grade, it can be adapted on a +/- scale depending on the individual database. Explanations for each grade are listed above underneath their score. 

A

  • Only collects what is necessary for website function 

  • Does not share data 

  • Includes privacy policy in accessible format

  • Users have to opt in to data collection before anything is collected

  • Collects minimal data on users 

  • Allows users to opt out of data collection and still use service 

  • Provides exact information on what data is being collected

  • Fully informs users on how and where their data is shared

D

  • Does not provide specific information on what information is collected 

  • Vague about how that information is shared/under what circumstances it is shared

  • Sells user information to third parties

F

  • Doesn't provide information on what data is collected or shared

  • Sells user information to third parties that threaten their security

  • Tracks users on other sites

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