By Youth Services Specialist Lynn H.
In May the American Library Association celebrated an initiative called “Choose Privacy Week.” With the constant advances in technology, there are more opportunities than ever for people to connect to information, services, and others-but also more opportunities for breaches and abuses of personal privacy.
The media constantly presents us with instances of privacy violations, from the hacking of personal financial information from businesses to the cyberbulling of students. While there are always risks involved with technology, there are also steps you can take to protect yourself. And if your privacy has been violated, you have certain rights and recourses to help you repair the damage.
One terrific resource for being proactive about protecting your privacy is the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (www.privacyrights.org). A range of topics is available, from employment background checks to identity theft. For example, while many of us are aware that we can put our phone numbers on the Do Not Call List, you may not realize that you can also remove your name from mailing lists. At the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse homepage, click on Junk Mail/Faxes/Email in the left-side menu for easy-to-follow instructions.
Internet use can pose a number of threats to privacy, affecting users of all ages. An article in a recent USA Today highlights a survey by the National Cyber Security Alliance, showing discrepancies in what children are taught about Internet safety in schools. Here are some websites that provide information on safe Internet use, including tips for parents and youth:
o StaySafeOnline.org is the site of the National Cyber Security Alliance, which provides resources for families, educators and businesses.
o Connect Safely.org offers social media safety tips for teens and their families, including safe use of Facebook, a sexting primer for parents, and tips to help stop cyberbullying.
o Wired Safety.org covers a range of topics for all Internet users, from online gaming safety to tips for safe online shopping. There is a section for kids, tweens and teens which currently features an extensive section on cyberbullying.
The privacy rights of patrons is a primary concern for public libraries. At CADL, only people you have specifically authorized may pick up items for you at the library. Maybe you’ve asked for a record of items that you have checked out, to see what you’ve already read or viewed. CADL protects your privacy by not keeping such records.
For more information on how to protect your privacy, or to find out more about patron privacy policies, call or stop in at any CADL location.
The Capital Area District Library Reference Department is located at 401 S. Capitol Avenue in Lansing, MI. Contact them at 517-367-6346 or by e-mail at reference@cadl.org.
All branches of the Capital Area District Library will be closed for the Memorial Day weekend from Saturday, May 28-Monday, May 30.
May 22, 2011 – June 4, 2011 Edition
