Technology and privacy erosion in United States libraries: a personal viewpoint

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how technology, in libraries in the USA, erodes privacy on a number of levels. It aims to use examples to point out directly how and where the privacy issue can impact on daily lives.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review encompassed many articles and books on the issues of privacy and anonymity, and the effects of sometimes invisible data leaks.

Findings

There were complex issues dealing with vendors and hackers accessing private information and subsequent use of the private data collected.

Research limitations/implications

Only small indicators of the overall problem have been seen. Much more has to be investigated and learned.

Practical implications

Those who agree with this point of view substantiated by research can learn to protect themselves more effectively when “online.”

Originality/value

Although much has been written about the problem, few articles offer concrete solutions to the problems.

Citation

Zimerman, M. (2010), "Technology and privacy erosion in United States libraries: a personal viewpoint", New Library World, Vol. 111 No. 1/2, pp. 7-15. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801011015649