ALA | Role of Librarians in Protecting Patron Privacy

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Role of Librarians in Protecting Patron Privacy

As the Internet grows in complexity and the means of collecting information online become more sophisticated, a librarian's role in protecting patron privacy continues to evolve. While librarians seek to define their role in protecting patron privacy, it becomes critical for librarians to recognize the changing nature of privacy violations in an online library setting.

Perhaps one of the most important roles that librarians play in protecting privacy online is an educational one, particularly for young users. Library staff training is critical to the success of this role - only when librarians and other library staff understand the implications of protecting privacy can they communicate the importance of doing so to library users.

Libraries should consider a multi-pronged approach to educating users about privacy. Visual displays in the library such as posters or bookmarks can be effective, as can electronic resources such as links on the library home page or pop-up "Privacy Tip of the Day." Alternatively, librarians might hold special library workshops or integrate privacy information and education into other computer and Internet related workshops. Attached is a one-page "top tips" sheet libraries can personalize and post near computers in their library.

Additionally, as library services have moved online, librarians, to some extent, have taken on the roles of both technology "monitors" and advocates. In a modern library, librarians must now work closely with the library technology support staff and technology vendors to ensure that the library's technology is implemented and used in a manner that is consistent with the profession's ethical obligation to protect patron privacy and yet mindful of the potential exposure of patron information to law enforcement inquiry. Librarians must act to develop procedures to ensure that the library's software, computer systems, records, and Internet communications are maintained in a manner that protects patron privacy.