Library Privacy Heroes: Discover Trailblazing Librarians & What You Can Do Now
As libraries continue to evolve in an era of increasing digital surveillance and changing legal landscapes, the protection of patron privacy remains a central concern. This session would offer a historical examination of several library privacy heroes and how they upheld privacy in libraries, from the early 20th century to the present day. The presentation also explores the ethical role libraries play in safeguarding intellectual freedom.
From the Russian surveillance of New York Libraries in 1906 to the chilling effects of the Patriot Act in 2001, libraries have continuously faced pressure to compromise reader confidentiality. The presentation will highlight the essential role of the American Library Association’s foundational documents— the Library Code of Ethics, the Library Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to Read Statement— as guiding beacons for upholding privacy in a digital age.
In particular, this session will address the current issue posed by the North Carolina Parents Bill of Rights. This law presents unique challenges for community colleges, especially those with minor-aged students in early college programs. It raises important questions about the tension between legal mandates and the ethical responsibility of libraries to protect patron privacy.
By examining these issues from a historical perspective, this session will provide actionable strategies for librarians to continue safeguarding patron privacy. We will explore how NCCC libraries can remain trusted spaces for intellectual freedom, even in the face of new challenges.
