Privacy and Cloud Computing in Public Libraries: The Case of BiblioCommons

Zimmer, Michael

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/73690 Copy

Description

Title

Privacy and Cloud Computing in Public Libraries: The Case of BiblioCommons

Author(s)

Zimmer, Michael

Issue Date

2015-03-15

Keyword(s)

• information policy and open access
• information systems
• information/computing ethics

Abstract

Public libraries are increasingly turning to cloud computing solutions to satisfy their technological needs in order to best serve patrons, while simultaneously taking advantage of new opportunities for cost savings, flexibility, and enhanced data management. These cloud services are typically provided by third parties who have built robust solutions to help libraries deliver resources, services, and expertise efficiently, while also encouraging patrons to socialize and leverage the power of the community of users. The use of cloud computing in libraries, however, has the potential to disrupt longstanding ethical norms within librarianship dedicated to protecting patron privacy. While librarians have historically engaged in professional practices that limit retention of patron data and protected confidentiality, cloud computing platforms are largely based on the tracking, collection, and aggregation of user data. This poster will report on a pilot study to help us understand how libraries address, if at all, issues of patron privacy in the use of third-party cloud computing services.

Publisher

iSchools

Series/Report Name or Number

iConference 2015 Proceedings

Type of Resource

text

Language

English

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/73690

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Copyright 2015 is held by the authors. Copyright permissions, when appropriate, must be obtained directly from the authors.

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