Re: User Privacy (was: bibtip (How it works))

For what it's worth:

   Code of Ethics of the American Library Association

>   III. We protect each library user's right to privacy and
>        confidentiality with respect to information sought or
>        received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired
>        or transmitted.
>
>  http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeethics.cfm
>
>...which is to say that this stance against storing user data is baked
>deep into the profession.  The easiest way to "protect each library
>user's right to privacy and confidentiality" is not to store it at all.  An >extreme position, true, but one that cannot be easily dismissed.

Yes, clearly it is baked into the profession. But users can make choices about their data, can't they? They can give us permission to use it. They can opt-in or out. We can de-link usage data from individual users. There are many ways to do this - again, BibTip is a great example of how to use anonymous user data.

Or, instead, we should just do nothing? Please excuse me, but I personally find that stance ridiculous.

Failing to recognize the centrality of this kind of data to providing really innovative services to library users is a failure of understanding and imagination on the part of library professionals. Also, it is a failure to serve our users to the best of our ability.

There is, of course, this principal in the Code of Ethics:

I.      We provide the highest level of service to all library users through    appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service         policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous       responses to all requests.

Instead, we "protect" our users while commercial enterprises continue to harvest and keep this kind of data, provide newer and better services and steadily draw information seekers and researchers away from the library.

--------------------------------------
Kevin M. Kidd, MA, MLIS
Library Applications & Systems Manager
Boston College Libraries
Phone: 617-552-1359
Fax: 617-552-1089
e-Mail: kevin.kidd_at_bc.edu
Blog: http://datadrivenlibrary.blogspot.com/