Patron data and usage analytics are provided to libraries in abundant and granular detail by publishers and database vendors. While such information provides valuable insight into user habits and preferences to improve services and demonstrate library value, as well as the ability to gauge student research habits to link to student-success initiatives, what has become of the concept of patron privacy? Are libraries at odds with the specificity of vendor-provided user data, or has privacy been sacrificed at the altar of greater insight as it is employed for more targeted collections, instruction, and advising decisions? How is user privacy addressed in resource licensing agreements? How are librarians grappling with these conflicting concepts?

Please plan to join your ALIGN colleagues as we present Michele Gibney (Scholarly Publishing & Academic Resources Coalition VPO for Privacy & Surveillance) and Jill Strykowski (Cataloging and Government Publications Lead, SJSU) in a panel and group discussion of these issues and what libraries are doing to help slow the erosion of our right to privacy.

Registration link: tinyurl.com/yyxzb822