User Privacy - (Practical Guides for Librarians) by Matthew Connolly (Paperback)

About the Book

Through simple explanations and step-by-step guides, library professionals will learn how to strengthen privacy protections for: -Library policies -Wired and wireless networks -Public computers -Web browsers -Mobile devices -Apps -Cloud computing Each chapter provi...

Book Synopsis

Through simple explanations and step-by-step guides, library professionals will learn how to strengthen privacy protections for:

• Library policies
• Wired and wireless networks
• Public computers
• Web browsers
• Mobile devices
• Apps
• Cloud computing

Each chapter provides an overview of the security risks and the respective preventative steps.

Review Quotes

In light of recent headlines about the data breaches at Facebook, Equifax, etc., public concern about the security of personal information is at an all-time high. Libraries have a duty to take precautions to protect patrons' privacy. This guide summarizes the issues involved in user privacy. The threats to user privacy have increased tremendously since records and library catalogs were first computerized many years ago. Connolly (Cornell Univ. Library) offers recommendations for developing a library privacy policy based on guidelines from the American Library Association. Most of the book focuses on the technical aspects of strengthening a library's technology infrastructure based on the policy chosen. Securing browsers used by the public and library systems (patron records, online public access catalogs, and ransomware, for example) are of particular concern. In the last several years, users have begun connecting their mobile devices to library wireless networks, posing more complex issues for network security. This book serves well as an overview of the subject for library managers or library IT personnel; Connolly provides sources for additional reading and guidance for those wishing to delve further into a particular subject.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students and all library professionals.

Matthew Connolly's book not only describes not only why privacy matters but also gives easy-to-follow steps for protecting user privacy in all types of libraries. I implemented a few of the suggestions on my own devices. This book is recommended for all libraries and librarians.

About the Author

Matthew Connolly is an application and web programmer at Cornell University Library, where he has worked for more than ten years on a variety of library services and tools for the public and library staff. He holds a Master of Engineering degree from Cornell, specializing in systems engineering. He has published articles in both popular and peer-reviewed journals and co-authored Using iPhones, iPads, and iPods: A Practical Guide for Librarians.