Modern Libraries, Privacy, and The Enlightenment

Gangadharan (2015) described how a recent trend has called into question whether libraries are truly able to protect patrons’ privacy when she explained that, “Libraries — once the site of invention for the classification of information — have become consumers of information services and data management products” (para. 7) . How can libraries be expected to manage privacy when they merely purchase information, software packages, and internet access? Is that even possible in such a situation

Luckily, not all libraries are simply acquiescing to this state of affairs. Gangadharan (2015) explained that at Brooklyn Public Library there is a privacy project underway that is meant to combat threats to privacy:

The project introduces BPL staff to the basics about which actors determine how information flows in the context of the library. It also teaches librarians about end-user and institutional-level tools and practices that strengthen the library’s ability to judge and more adequately handle information management. (para. 10)

It seems such a project can only really educate librarians about the various actors that control the system. Librarians can better judge where information flows, and who has the ability to compromise privacy. Certainly, this is better than nothing, but, it is sad to see public libraries lose their ability to shield patrons’ privacy.

On a different note, Gangadharan’s article brings up an issue that came up in the library instruction I took with Troy: libraries and the Enlightenment. Gangadharan (2015) mentions the following:

In today’s world, the prevailing wisdom surrounding the digital revolution reeks of Enlightenment-era presumption. Everyone has a smartphone or a mobile device. Anyone can get online. You can get anything you need — books or otherwise — in one swipe, click, or depression of an “enter” button. The digital revolution is bringing democracy to all. (para. 4)

Part of the issue with Enlightenment values is they presume much about the ability of knowledge to rid the world of problems, when in reality, knowledge often creates as many problems as it solves. This is very much true of libraries today: technology that is allowing unpredicted access to information is also infringing on privacy to an unprecedented extent.

Gangadharan, S. P. (2015) . Who is in control of your library’s data? Slate. Retrieved from http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2015/11/libraries_need_to_protect_patron_data_as_they_turn_high_tech.html