August 21st, 2006 Stewart
Enter Search Term Here, Forever - New York Times
I think it’s safe to say that the overwhelming majority of libraries do not store our users’ searches, unless users store the searches themselves or they are being used for SDIs. We certainly don’t share any search data with marketers, advertisers, politicians and similar forms of vermin.
Privacy is going to be the hot button issue of the next decade and libraries are well-poised to lead the charge for preserving the individual’s rights. That said, we need to begin the response now, and it needs to be big and loud. The NYT editorial talks about what the EFF is doing. We need to mobilize the ALA, SLA, and MLA to come out swinging on this issue. Our own individual libraries need to issue strongly-worded statements of support for our users’ right to privacy, with clearly noted policies of data non-storage and data protection.
We must be above reproach or criticism ourselves. We need to scan our contracts with database vendors carefully, to be sure that no one is collecting this kind of data without our knowledge via services that we pay for. If there is any language that is vague or permissive, we need to be prepared to make corrections or, potentially, sever ties with these corporations.
Libraries should be speaking out and speaking loudly. Now is the time.
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