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Faculty & Staff: Privacy in Libraries

These pages explore the history of library privacy advocacy and how it informs current challenges faced by North Carolina libraries, particularly in response to legislation like the Parent’s Bill of Rights. By examining past privacy defenders and their st

Patron Checkout History Privacy

The Ethical Tightrope: Balancing Library Values & NC's Parent's Bill of Rights Patron Privacy Challenges

Explore the complexities of balancing library values with the realities of new legal challenges in this recorded presentation by Allison Sills, Instructional Librarian at Central Carolina Community College. Delve into the history of patron privacy in libraries, learn how laws and government surveillance have influenced policies over time, and understand the ethical dilemmas librarians face today, especially in light of North Carolina’s Parents Bill of Rights. The presentation covers the American Library Association’s recommendations on privacy, the importance of data minimization, and practical strategies to protect patron confidentiality while upholding the mission of intellectual freedom and trust.

For more information, please read this article by Allison Sills in College and Research Libraries News.

The Ethical Tightrope: Navigating Library Values in the Face of the Parents’ Bill of Rights and Patron Privacy Challenges