Introduction

Abstract

The impetus for this special issue of Serials Librarian emerged from the growing interest in privacy at multiple professional conferences. Early in the national conversation about privacy and libraries, privacy was often viewed as a local issue that affected just your local library and the users who frequented that particular library. Who knew what books and materials you checked out? Who knew what reference questions you asked? As digital access, networked resources, data security measures, shared services, and other factors of maturing information systems are implemented to meet the growing expectations of library users and library staff, privacy concerns have become a much larger and more controversial topic. Now, when the COVID-19 pandemic has forced so much research and learning activities online, the topic takes on new significance. When we examine issues of third-party software, individualized services, learning analytics. and data sharing, we quickly see that privacy concerns are no longer confined to your local library; they rise to be an issue on the national or international level. Libraries grapple with the intersecting regulations from state and national laws, as well as evolving professional guidelines. Library boards, directors, staff, users, vendors, researchers, students, faculty and institutions, just to name a few, all have perspectives that are important elements of the ongoing conversation. The social justice movement that followed the killing of George Floyd and recognized continuing issues of racism and equity, have also influenced the ongoing discourse on privacy issues, as we must be cognisant of which voices are in the conversation and which voices have not yet been represented. We cast a wide net in identifying articles that would illustrate the expansive discussion on privacy in libraries, from practical issues to theoretical discourses. While the large discussions of cloud-based tools, authentication and network security often capture our attention, there are many issues that are individualized at the local library level, such as staff training protocols and institutional policies regarding access and ownership of data. Our goal is to introduce and bring forward a variety of thought-provoking interviews, columns, and research articles that highlight new ideas as well as nuances in current discussions to advance our professional conversations around privacy. As technological advances and user expectations evolve, some of the themes highlighted in this issue may be solved, while others may persist. Data hacking and breaches often make the headlines and garner our attention, but the increasing frequency of such announcements may weaken any sense of urgency. Privacy and personal data management are quickly becoming a new facet of information literacy and libraries are responding with educational programs to aid in understanding these issues. As users, including ourselves, prioritize ease of access to library resources from anywhere they choose to work; however, data security will continue to be an issue. However, libraries are learning how to mitigate the risks through better policies and education of key stakeholders, and new technologies enable users to better safeguard their data. Navigating the librarian-researcher-vendor perspectives and values when it comes to personal information and data continues to be an ongoing challenge. It may be issues as fundamental as who has access to data, for what purposes can this data be used, or even who even owns library data that will dominate this conversation moving forward?.