Director American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom
Chicago, IL
The right to read and consider ideas and literature, free from any unwanted surveillance by the government or others, is the bedrock foundation for intellectual freedom. Librarians have long been committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of library users' information, but new technologies, social media, and digital resources present new challenges for libraries and librarians who are striving to protect patron privacy. Attendees will learn about the ethical and legal foundations for libraries' obligations to protect patron privacy, including a review of California's library confidentiality statute. Attendees will also learn about best practices when collecting, using or sharing library users' data, and discuss how to elevate privacy with trustees, patrons, and friends of the library.
