Privacy in the library

The purpose of this column is to offer a snapshot of privacy in the library today.

Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

It is significant that library users understand the disruptive nature of the online environment and its impact on privacy. Library users should welcome the controls and protections put in place while working in an open access environment, so that one does not fall victim to privacy breaches. After all, many years ago, the American Library Association codified that privacy is a “fundamental human right”.

The value in exploring this topic is to communicate that privacy in a library is of paramount concern, and constant vigilance is needed to ensure a library user’s right to privacy.