Thinkspace blog – CHo

There are two main challenges surrounding social media and privacy use in information organisations. These concerns are, firstly, that the protection of information and the flow of data within social media leaves individuals and companies vulnerable, and secondly, the ethical issues around enforcing such protections.

The extraordinary growth of social media and users’ activities made privacy-protective measures necessary in the 21st century for the responsible GLAMR sector and everyone. The GLAMR sector contains information organisations such as galleries, libraries, archives, museums, and records that utilise social media platforms to reach out to their target audience for connecting, communicating, broadcasting news, seeking information, and promoting events (Auxier & Anderson, 2021). The user’s personal information, interests, political views, purchasing habits, and online behavioural activities are stored on the website when accessing media and unintentionally leave digital footprints. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (2019) defined governing privacy as “user personal data and information being protected from malicious attack and exploitation of data used in inappropriate ways”. Social networking companies could manipulate individuals’ data activities to drive user engagement geared towards their goals (Saura et al., 2021). The data from users is vulnerable and will be subject to exploitation by third parties or be unlawfully accessed by criminals. Hence, protection is an important challenge in this space, and it is vital to understand how to adequately combat online vulnerability and engage with protective measures.

The GLAMR sector implemented strategies and created policies and guidelines to counter these privacy protection challenges, and these documents reference various legislation, such as the Privacy Act 1988 in Australian legislation (Privacy Act 1988, 1988), American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights (EDIAZ, 2016), and the Australian Library and Information Association’s libraries and privacy guidelines (Slingsby, 2021). These documents serve to protect the treatment and use of personal information shared, including on online social networks. The protection of information on infrastructure that stores digital resources and user information is subject to damage and online attacks from various forms like viruses or malware. In the digital space, information leakages can easily occur, unbidden by the organisation and risking users’ safety. Regular hardware and software updates and data backups are crucial to protect the privacy of users (Fire et al.,2014).

In the case of libraries, they have various policies governing social media and privacy regarding the access and use of online information, like the Code of Ethics and Conduct, which monitors staff conduct, the Information Security Policy that secures and protects the confidentiality, integrity and information within its infrastructure, the Privacy Management Plan for how an organisation is managing personal information and the Social Media Policy, which governs the library staff communication with patrons through social media platforms (Australian Catholic University, 2023; International Association of School Librarianship, n.d.; State Library of New South Wales, 2023). A well-protected culture that does not erode the fine line between the public and private spheres needs library professionals to uphold and adhere to ethical and transparent policies.

While there are policies and guidelines governing the protection of privacy of social media use in the GLAMR sector, there are still vast, ethical challenges that need to be overcome (Rathore et al., 2017). The online databases and print resources need to be reviewed periodically to ensure that transferring from print to an online resource is secured, to prevent unauthorised access when linked with the latest technology. Hence, an adequate budget for this ethical risk is unavoidable and is a huge issue for all organisations (Lee, 2021). The Softlink Australian School Library Survey 2017 reports that more than 62% of school libraries were inadequately funded (Softlink, 2017). It is crucial for the principal, management, and the board to support the allocation of budget for an ethical cause. Social media have become the main platforms for social networking tools for individuals. Social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and dating apps such as Tinder are used by billions of users and continue to grow (Datareportal, 2023; Napoleoncat, 2023; Statista, 2023). Cloud-based and Web 2.0 technologies make it possible for organisations to track user activity using tools like Mixpanel and Adobe Analytics on mobile applications and single-page applications on websites such as Google Analytics and Hotjar (Singh et al., 2010). These business organisations have blurred lines with personal privacies and leave many ethical standards to be desired.

Further, adopting appropriate policies to govern digital information access and control is becoming a mammoth task because technology is changing at a fast pace and moving faster than organisations can update their policies. It is forcing organisations to shift conditions even quicker than before (Ichihashi, 2020). For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT are the most recent technologies; organisations are currently reviewing how they will affect users’ security and privacy and the type of measures that are required to be in place to counter unlawful access and misuse of information. This is a real concern; however, it is also inevitable that new technologies will evolve, and proactive action is key, but the type of proactive action, software patches and updates to support this action requires expertise, which is another ethical challenge for digital library professionals to keep up with current trends while applying appropriate privacy protective measures (Wu et al., 2023). Information ethics is a concern because the confidentiality of patrons is the responsibility of library professionals and staff, and safeguarding the privacy of information to avoid misuse of resources is crucial to respecting users (Rubin & Rubin, 2020). There are guiding principles to keep the information confidential, especially in AI technologies, to respect and protect intellectual property with fair representation, non-maleficence, and privacy. All employees are required to sign a code of conduct. If a person does not uphold the standard, this will be the grounds for dismissal (Floridi et al., 2018).

In conclusion, information overload is commonplace on social media platforms, and prospects for privacy and security in digital libraries are challenging. A well-defined policy document aligned with actions from the government and support from management is critical to prevent data breaches, uphold the library’s professional standards and provide a trusting relationship with patrons, therefore reaching the goal of protecting users (Rubin & Rubin, 2020). It is not a singular, definition of privacy that library professionals are adhering to; it is how they perceive privacy and abide by the code of conduct and the ethical duty that one needs to perform.

References

Al-Suqri, M. N., & Akomolafe-Fatuyi, E. (2012). Security and Privacy in Digital Libraries: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects. International Journal of Digital Library Systems, 3(4), 54–61. https://doi.org/10.4018/ijdls.2012100103

Australian Catholic University. (2023). Library policies and guidelines. https://library.acu.edu.au/our-library/policies-and-guidelines

Auxier, B., & Anderson, M. (2021). Social media use in 2021. Pew Research Center, 1, 1-4. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/04/PI_2021.04.07_Social-Media-Use_FINAL.pdf

Datareportal. (2023). Instagram: Global advertising audience. https://datareportal.com/essential-instagram-stats

EDIAZ. (2016, November 16). Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement Pamphlet. About ALA. https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif/LBOR-FTR-statement-pamphlet

Fire, M., Goldschmidt, R., & Elovici, Y. (2014). Online social networks: threats and solutions. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 16(4), 2019-2036. https://doi.org/10.1109/COMST.2014.2321628

Floridi, L., Cowls, J., Beltrametti, M., Chatila, R., Chazerand, P., Dignum, V., Luetge, C., Madelin, R., Pagallo, U., Rossi, F., Schafer, B., Valcke, P., & Vayena, E. (2018). AI4People—An Ethical Framework for a Good AI Society: Opportunities, Risks, Principles, and Recommendations. Minds and Machines (Dordrecht), 28(4), 689–707. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11023-018-9482-5

Ichihashi, S. (2020). Online privacy and information disclosure by consumers. American Economic Review, 110(2), 569-595.https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20181052

International Association of Privacy Professionals. (2019). What is privacy. https://www.informationprivacylaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Solove-Schwartz-Privacy-Law-Fundamentals-2019-table-of-contents.pdf

International Association of School Librarianship. (n.d.). Sample policies for small school library. https://www.iasl-online.org/resources/Documents/PD%20Library/PDLIB_SAMPLE_POLICIES_FOR_SMALL_SCHOOL_LIBRARY_PROGRAMS_NEW.pdf

Lee, I. (2021). Cybersecurity: Risk management framework and investment cost analysis. Business Horizons, 64(5), 659-671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2021.02.022

Napoleoncat. (2023). Instagram users in Australia. https://napoleoncat.com/stats/instagram-users-in-australia/2023/11/

Privacy Act 1988 No 97 (Cth). (1988). https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2018C00292

Rathore, S., Sharma, P. K., Loia, V., Jeong, Y. S., & Park, J. H. (2017). Social network security: Issues, challenges, threats, and solutions. Information sciences, 421, 43-69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2017.08.063

Rubin, R. E., & Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.). American Library Association. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/CSUAU/detail.action?docID=6386141&pq-origsite=primo

Saura, J. R., Palacios-Marqués, D., & Iturricha-Fernández, A. (2021). Ethical design in social media: Assessing the main performance measurements of user online behavior modification. Journal of Business Research, 129, 271-281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.03.001

Shutterstock. (n.d.). Hacker Industry Illustrations [Stock image]. https://www.shutterstock.com/search/hacker-industry?image_type=illustration

Singh, M., Davison, C., & Wickramasinghe, N. (2010). Organisational use of web 2.0 technologies: An Australian perspective. AMCIS 2010 Proceedings. 198. https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2010/198

Slingsby, L. (2021, June 28). Libraries and privacy guidelines. ALIA Library. https://read.alia.org.au/libraries-and-privacy-guidelines

Softlink. (2017). 2017 Australian and New Zealand school library survey.  https://www.softlinkint.com/downloads/2017_Softlink_Australian_and_New_Zealand_School_Library_Survey_Report.pdf

State Library of New South Wales. (2023). Legislation and policies. https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/about-library/legislation-and-policies

Statista. (2023). Most popular social networks worldwide as of October 2023, ranked by number of monthly active users. https://www.statista.com/statistics/272014/global-social-networks-ranked-by-number-of-users/

Wu, X., Duan, R., & Ni, J. (2023). Unveiling security, privacy, and ethical concerns of ChatGPT. Journal of Information and Intelligence. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiixd.2023.10.007

Public libraries are constantly looking for ways to improve and upgrade their environment to attract patrons locally or those who live out of the area. Following Laura Cole in the TED video (2016), there are four points that I would like to explore: the accessibility of the library, the perception of changing from a static to a fluid and dynamic library, the role of librarians from preserver to cultivator, and not just being a custodian of books but instead having the active role of a navigator.

The accessibility of libraries largely depends on the geographic location and the general population mix. For example, if the general population is older and mainly retirees, then the environment should incorporate multipurpose spaces with a balance of physical and digital resources. This is to ensure that the library can cater for all patrons (Shoham & Klain-Gabbay, 2019). However, there are budget constraints, and the allocation of funding requires careful consideration.

I have seen a pop-up library in many suburbs. This is the initiative of the local council to attract patrons from the local community, and it is one of the perceptions of changing from static to fluid and dynamic libraries. There are also other ideas that, in the digital space, a fluid library encourages memory efficiency with shared libraries in RAM instead of a single storage point (Audunson et al., 2019).

The last two points are the perceived role of librarians within the 21^st century, from a preserver to a cultivator, and from a custodian of books to the active role of a navigator. There are many roles that librarians are required to play as experts; however, the perception of librarians is required to change in order to embrace the ever-changing platform and environments (Chigwada, 2021).

I believe librarians are mediators of information. Therefore, the need to improve and update knowledge with the current trends of technology is inevitable.

References

Audunson, R., Aabø, S., Blomgren, R., Evjen, S., Jochumsen, H., Larsen, H., … & Koizumi, M. (2019). Public libraries as an infrastructure for a sustainable public sphere: A comprehensive review of research. Journal of Documentation, 75(4), 773-790 https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-10-2018-0157

Chigwada, J. P. (2021). Librarian skillsets in the 21st century: The changing role of librarians in the digital era. In Research Anthology on Collaboration, Digital Services, and Resource Management for the Sustainability of Libraries (pp. 60-73). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-8051-6.ch004

Cole, L. (2016). BiblioTech as the re-imagined public library: Where will it find you? [Video file]. YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnYDl66YfQ0

Shoham, S., & Klain-Gabbay, L. (2019). The academic library: Structure, space, physical and virtual use. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 45(5), 102053. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2019.102053

Shutterstock. (n.d.). Bibliothéque royalty-free images [Stock image]. https://www.shutterstock.com/search/biblioth%C3%A9que

The information environment that we are now living in is inevitably changing, upgrading, and creating new applications. It is a complicated task for organisations like the government, libraries, education, and corporations to keep up with the fast-paced, ever-changing digital platforms (Cascio & Montealegre, 2016).

With the continuously changing technology that we live with, which we cannot avoid, security in organisations are required to factor in extra budget for many areas, such as ongoing training and upgrading infrastructure and equipment. For organisations to seek to employ appropriate and qualified professionals to train their staff in the use and etiquette to meet the company’s technological needs, closing the gap between the younger and older generation’s skills and perception of using technologies are part of the cost (Eason, 2001).

There are always constant version updates and requirements to migrate to new systems. The upgrades and application migrations are an endless investment. Seeking new ways to provide and conduct business is also another trend. The current working-from-home model also poses another issue for organisations to manage staff for security issues when they are using their own internet and inadequate infrastructure. The logistical issue is that companies require someone to ensure staff are motivated and working as per company guidelines, arrange measurements and new policies required to be set up, and receive staff consent. On top of these extra challenges, the claims for overwork and monitoring well-being makes it harder to build trust with staff (Al-Shammari et al., 2023).

Due to changes in technologies and platforms in an organisation, setting up new policies and rules on how to access and conduct everyday business on internal and external websites could add another constraint to the organisation. The data that travels and is stored in the cloud poses another security issue and keeping it safe and secure within the organisation becomes another challenging and exigent task. The cost of keeping the firewall secure is rendered useless if the user lacks the knowledge to protect against hackers, who can find new ways to get information from organisations and sell it to other criminals on the dark web (Martínez-Caro et al., 2020).

The future of academic librarian roles will be evolving, not only to incorporate even more digital services and online resources, but also because the general community expects them to be experts in the field. Hence, continuing to upskill by following close to technology trends and keeping up with the digital world is a necessity (Evans & Baker, 2011).

References

Al-Shammari, M., Aziz, W. A., & Jasimuddin, S. M. (2023). Emerging trends in innovation management and entrepreneurship development in the 21st century: issues, challenges, and opportunities. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1145727. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1145727

Cascio, W. F., & Montealegre, R. (2016). How technology is changing work and organizations. Annual review of organizational psychology and organizational behavior, 3, 349-375. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-041015-062352

Eason, K. (2001). Changing perspectives on the organizational consequences of information technology. Behaviour & information technology, 20(5), 323-328. https://doi.org/10.1080/01449290110083585

Evans, W., & Baker, D. (Eds.). (2011). Libraries and society: role, responsibility and future in an age of change. Elsevier. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/CSUAU/detail.action?docID=1584455

Martínez-Caro, E., Cegarra-Navarro, J. G., & Alfonso-Ruiz, F. J. (2020). Digital technologies and firm performance: The role of digital organisational culture. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 154, 119962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.119962

Shutterstock. (n.d.). Technology Vector royalty-free images [Stock image]. https://www.shutterstock.com/search/technology-vector