Writings about libraries, technology, and the Web by Matthew Reidsma.

Over the last decade, libraries have taken advantage of emerging technologies to provide new discovery tools to help users find information and resources more efficiently. In the wake of this technological shift in discovery, privacy has become an increasingly prominent and complex issue for libraries. The nature of the web, over which users interact with discovery tools, has substantially diminished the library’s ability to control patron privacy. The emergence of a data economy has led to a new wave of online tracking and surveillance, in which multiple third parties collect and share user data during the discovery process, making it much more difficult, if not impossible, for libraries to protect patron privacy. In addition, users are increasingly starting their searches with web search engines, diminishing the library’s control over privacy even further.While libraries have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect patron privacy, they are simultaneously challenged to meet evolving user needs for discovery. In a world where “search” is synonymous with Google, users increasingly expect their library discovery experience to mimic their experience using web search engines. However, web search engines rely on a drastically different set of privacy standards, as they strive to create tailored, personalized search results based on user data. Libraries are seemingly forced to make a choice between delivering the discovery experience users expect and protecting user privacy. This paper explores the competing interests of privacy and user experience, and proposes possible strategies to address them in the future design of library discovery tools.

Pay-per-loan business model puts libraries on the unpredictable-cost hook.

Objective – In order to inform a library service related to creating and maintaining online scholarly profiles, we sought to assess the knowledge base and needs of our academic communities. Participants were queried about use, issues, and attitudes toward scholarly profile and altmetric tools, as well as the role librarians could play in assisting with the curation of online reputation.    Methods – Semi-structured interviews with 18 scholar-practitioners and 5 graduate students from two mid-sized universities.  Results – While all participants had Googled themselves, few were strategic about their online scholarly identity. Participants affirmed the perception that altmetrics can be of value in helping to craft a story of the value of their research and its diverse outputs. When participants had prior knowledge of altmetrics tools, it tended to be very narrow and deep, and perhaps field-specific.  Participants identified time as the major barrier to use of scholarly profile and altmetrics tools.  Conclusions – Librarians are well-placed to assist scholar-practitioners who wish to curate an online profile or use altmetrics tools. Areas of assistance include: personalized support, establishment of goals, orientation to specific tools, orientation to altmetrics and scholarly promotion landscape, preparing users for potential difficulties, discussing copyright implications, Open Access education, and guidance with packaging content for different venues and audiences.

Protect Researcher Privacy in the Surveillance Era

Sam Kome
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Information Technology
Claremont Colleges

See https://www.cni.org/pbs/protect-researcher-privacy-in-the-surveillance-era for more information.

Coalition for Networked Information (CNI)
Spring 2017 Membership Meeting
April 3-4, 2017
Washington, DC
https://www.cni.org/mm/spring-2017/

Amid the tumult in Ferguson, Missouri that followed the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by Officer Darren Wilson last year, one local institution stepped up to provide a refuge for a community torn by social divisions – the Ferguson Public Library.During the two-month period that encompassed the shooting and the rioting following the announcement that Wilson would not face charges, the library stood apart as an oasis that provided art programming and tutoring for students whose classes were canceled.A sign posted in the library said it all. It read, “During difficult times, the library is a quiet oasis where we can catch our breath, learn, and think about what to do next. Please help keep our oasis peaceful and serene. Thank you!”

BY JOHN K. WILSON On Friday June 2, the Evanston Public Library held a hearing that may lead to the firing of librarian Lesley Williams this week. Her alleged crime? Posting a message on her person…

A library director seeks to terminate Lesley Williams over a social media post about equity policies.

by Becky Yoose Library Applications and Systems Manager The Seattle Public Library Libraries and library vendors contain multitudes of data1 : item circulation, patron information, computer sessions, program attendance, website logs, and searches, just to name a few. Data plays De-identification and Patron Data

Given the number and variety of significant information technology projects led or supported by research libraries, one could incorrectly assume that

Vinopal knocks another one out of the park.

Welcome to the curriculum page for the Data Privacy Project. We are pleased to share a set of learning tools that was created with and for library professionals. The curriculum contains a facilitat…

After all, somebody might show up one day carrying a bag of catnip and a jackhammer.

The role of the library in the digital age has grown thanks to cloud tools.