This article describes the results of the 19th annual Computers in Libraries Conference in Washington, DC on March 10-12, 2004. The conference peered into the future, drew lessons from the past, and ran like clockwork. Program chair Jane Dysart and her organizing committee are by now old hands, bringing together three keynote addresses, 100…

Examines libraries' policies of keeping patron records private and confidential. Addresses the idea that libraries use their automated systems to retain and use patron data to develop and improve library services. Describes uses of patron data that can help libraries develop targeted services to users to better meet their information needs. (JMV)

Discusses information overload and society's and libraries' responses to technology. Considers eight values that libraries should focus on and how they relate to technology in libraries: democracy, stewardship, service, intellectual freedom, privacy, rationalism, equity of access, and building harmony and balance. (LRW)

Discussion of consequences of library automation argues that technology should be used to augment access to information. Online public access catalogs are considered in this context, along with several related issues such as system incompatibility, invasion of privacy, barriers to database access and manipulation, and user fees, which contribute…

Describes the movement toward establishing a national information policy, especially in the areas of privacy and international concerns. Considered are the effects of the information technology explosion on individuals, mass media, institutions, and public libraries. (SW)

Cites the importance of having a state law, knowing what it says, and having a library policy statement regarding the confidentiality of patron records. Discussion covers writing and implementing a policy, the role of automation, existing laws, library records defined, exceptions to confidentiality, and legal liability. Thirty-seven references are…

Examines issues regarding the privacy of information contained in patron databases that have resulted from online circulation systems. Topics discussed include library policies to protect information in patron records; ensuring compliance with policies; limiting the data collected; security authorizations; and creating and modifying patron…

Describes results of a survey of librarians conducted using the Internet, regarding their attitudes toward electronic mail and networking. Topics addressed include software; the effect on job descriptions; privacy issues; use in academic libraries; navigation problems; discussion groups; and perceived value. A sidebar discusses network etiquette.…

Discusses technology and its effects on society and humans, particularly library and information technology. Highlights include the evolving history of technology; and values related to technology in libraries, including democracy, stewardship, service, intellectual freedom, privacy, literacy and learning, rationalism, and equity of access. (LRW)

Improving library technologies allow patrons greater autonomy. One such technology, self-checkout kiosks, puts patrons in virtual control over their circulation experience. Whereas previously patrons had to approach circulation staff to check out, now this can be done privately. The impact self-checkout has on the circulation of potentially…

This article reviews the literature to examine whether new technologies have created new ethical dilemmas in librarianship. Four possible areas of concern are identified: privacy and confidentiality, acquisitions and collection development, archiving and preservation, and deskilling and gender bias. (Author/LRW)

This paper discusses issues for libraries related to privacy in the digital environment. The first section defines the meaning of privacy. The second section discusses the impact of technology and the use of technology, including principles issued by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1973 that still provide a basis for…

Identifies library values affected by technology, including respect for and privacy of the individual, equality of user needs, and freedom of purpose and access. Fundamental changes that may result from technology are predicted in the areas of the library role, functions of staff, fees for services and document delivery, and costs of local and…

This book provides a selection of documentary background information on areas of the Information Highway debate that are particularly relevant to libraries. The book is designed for librarians who are online but have little time to explore the general areas of information policy, and for those not yet connected to the Internet who need to…

Four articles address human factors in libraries, including (1) working with staff and users during library automation; (2) the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism when assessing reference staff and collections; (3) a mentoring program for librarians undergoing tenure review; and (4) patron privacy and the accountability of the reference…