I Always Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me: Student Perceptions of Library Data Privacy

Authors

Megan PalmerFollow
Amie D. Freeman, University of South CarolinaFollow
Jade Geary, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow

Disciplines

Library and Information Science

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.51221/sc.scl.2020.4.1.9

Abstract

Data privacy has emerged as a controversial topic in higher education. As librarians, we recognize the importance of privacy and confidentiality for allowing patrons to learn and explore without unnecessary barriers or fear of repercussions. However, there is a growing trend of data collection and analysis in libraries that impacts a patron’s right to privacy. In a presentation given at the 2019 South Carolina Library Association Annual Conference, we explored issues of click-through-consent, data invasion, and awareness of the types of data tracked. We asked for audience engagement as we discussed future directions including a survey on student perceptions of data privacy in libraries.

Recommended Citation

Palmer, Megan; Freeman, Amie D.; and Geary, Jade (2020) "I Always Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me: Student Perceptions of Library Data Privacy," South Carolina Libraries: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 20.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51221/sc.scl.2020.4.1.9
Available at: https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/scl_journal/vol4/iss1/20