Abstract

As libraries begin to embrace Web 2.0 technologies to serve patrons -- ushering in the era of Library 2.0 -- unique dilemmas arise in the realm of information ethics, especially regarding patron privacy. The norms of Web 2.0 promote the open sharing of information -- often personal information -- and the design of many Library 2.0 services capitalize on access to patron information and might require additional tracking, collection and aggregation of patron activities. Thus, embracing Library 2.0 potentially threatens the traditional ethics of librarianship, where protecting patron privacy and intellectual freedom has been held paramount. Anecdotal evidence suggests a policy vacuum exists in dealing with this potential ethical conflict. This project seeks to measure the extent to which the issue of patron privacy is addressed in literature discussing Library 2.0 services and solutions.

Highlights

  • INTRODUCTIONIn today’s information ecosystem, libraries are at a crossroads: several of the services traditionally provided within their walls are increasingly made available online, often by non-traditional sources, both commercial and amateur, thereby threatening the historical role of the library in collecting, filtering, and delivering information

  • In today’s information ecosystem, libraries are at a crossroads: several of the services traditionally provided within their walls are increasingly made available online, often by non-traditional sources, both commercial and amateur, thereby threatening the historical role of the library in collecting, filtering, and delivering information.For example, web search engines provide easy access to millions of pages of information, online databases provide convenient gateways to news, images, videos, as well as scholarship, and largescale book digitization projects appear poised to make roaming the stacks seem an antiquated notion

  • While such Library 2.0 tools and services can greatly improve the delivery of library services and enhance patron activities, the increased need for the tracking, collecting, and retaining of data about patron activities presents a challenge to the traditional librarian ethic regarding patron privacy

Read more

Summary

INTRODUCTION

In today’s information ecosystem, libraries are at a crossroads: several of the services traditionally provided within their walls are increasingly made available online, often by non-traditional sources, both commercial and amateur, thereby threatening the historical role of the library in collecting, filtering, and delivering information. To participate and benefit from Library 2.0 services, library patrons could potentially be required to create user accounts, engage in activities that divulge personal interests and intellectual activities, be subject to tracking and logging of library activities, and risk having various activities and personal details linked to their library patron account While such Library 2.0 tools and services can greatly improve the delivery of library services and enhance patron activities, the increased need for the tracking, collecting, and retaining of data about patron activities presents a challenge to the traditional librarian ethic regarding patron privacy.. Longitudinal studies of library adoption of Web 2.0 technologies reveal a marked increase in the use of blogs, sharing plugins, and social media between 2008 and 2010.12 In this short amount of time, Library 2.0 has taken hold in hundreds of libraries, and the question before us is not whether libraries will move towards Library 2.0 services, but how they will do it, and, from an ethical perspective, whether the successful implementation of Library 2.0 can take place without threatening the longstanding professional concerns for, and protections of, patron privacy

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
DATA ANALYSIS
Articles with relevant discussion of privacy
Level of Concern
Findings
DISCUSSION
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.