Privacy is a core value of librarianship and yet as a
concept it is difficult to define and in practice, a challenge to uphold.
This ground breaking new book considers how privacy issues can arise in a
library context and what library and information professionals can do to
protect the privacy of their users. It features a wide range of practical
examples of the issues that can arise in a library context, providing insights
and practical steps which readers can follow to ensure they protect the privacy
of their users. In-depth case studies and scenarios support the examples laid
out in the book, while examples of data breaches which have occurred in a
library setting, and the lessons we can learn from them are also included. The
book also covers the main legislation governing data protection - GDPR - which
will be particularly relevant to European librarians working in all types of libraries
and International librarians offering services to EU citizens.
The book then provides a range of tools through which
libraries can communicate how they handle the personal data of their users
whilst ensuring that they are following best practice with their privacy policy
statements, their privacy audits and data protection impact assessments.
Privacy is not the same thing as data protection, and the book outlines the
differences between these two concepts. Nevertheless, the book has been written
with the requirements of data protection law very much in mind.
Written in a highly practical manner, this book is essential
reading for library and information professionals who need to understand and
support privacy in the library setting and a useful reference for students and
researchers in the field who need to understand this topic in practice.
Industry Reviews
'Pedley is an expert in information law, and his book is a guide for working professionals to use as a reference in the development and management of user privacy policies... The book's 13 main chapters are divided into brief, cogent subsections, and a detailed table of contents makes it easy to find materials on the topics addressed and to get the specific guidance offered at the point of need. Though aimed to meet the needs of librarians working in the UK, the book treats North American examples and principles thoroughly, making it useful for audiences in the US and Canada...This is a book for working administrators and for collections supporting library and information science or curricula addressing issues of privacy. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, and professionals'
* CHOICE *
'Essential reading for library and information professionals who need to understand and support privacy in the library setting and a useful reference for students and researchers in the field who need to understand this topic in practice, A Practical Guide to Privacy in Libraries is an ideal textbook for library system in-service training programs, and must be considered a core and unreservedly recommended addition to community, college, and university Library Science collections and supplemental studies reading lists.'
-- James A. Cox * Midwest Book Review *
