Non-Tech Privacy

Privacy is a fundamental right of library users. When most people think of privacy, they think of technology. However, threats to our privacy can come from both hi-tech and low/no-tech practices. This guide is meant to help you navigate some areas in your library that are often overlooked when thinking about privacy. You don’t have to be a tech whiz or have access to your library’s catalog, vendors, or information technology to enact healthy privacy practices. Use this guide to help your library protect users’ privacy, even when they’re not online.

Creating Private Spaces

Designing a library space that enhances the privacy of users.

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User Surveillance

How do you monitor users within your library?

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Discussing Users

Talking about users is an easy way to violate privacy.

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Overdue Items

Borrowing history can be shared without consent through overdue notices.

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Follow the Paper Trail

Libraries are often filled with unsecured paper containing users’ personally identifiable information.

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Anonymizing Holds

Can any library user see who is picking up materials from the holds shelf?

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Receipts

Libraries can expose a user’s data through their checkout receipt.

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Self-Service Discovery

Find non-tech ways that allow users to search for materials.

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