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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

Privacy in Libraries: Timeline Poster

© 2024 Allison Sills, all design & text. Portions of this poster include copyrighted material used for editorial purposes. All rights reserved by the respective copyright holders. Please see "Privacy Poster References List" linked below for a list of copyright holders.

Privacy Poster References List

"Preserving Privacy: A Century-Long Saga of Library Patron Rights" outlines the rich history of privacy rights advocacy in libraries. It highlights major events, policies, and key figures who have shaped library privacy standards over the past century. From early 20th-century concerns about surveillance to McCarthyism, the Vietnam War era, and post-9/11 privacy challenges, the timeline illustrates libraries' continuous efforts to safeguard patron confidentiality. The poster also features landmark moments like the development of the Library Bill of Rights, the resistance to government overreach, and modern issues, such as digital privacy and legislative changes. This visual journey emphasizes the critical role libraries play in protecting patrons' rights and invites viewers to reflect on the ongoing fight for privacy in the face of evolving threats.