Privacy, Libraries, Patrons, and the Law eCourse
4-Week Asynchronous ALA Course

Description:
The right to intellectual privacy—the right to read, consider, and develop ideas and beliefs free from observation or unwanted surveillance by the government or others—is the bedrock foundation for intellectual freedom. It is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association.

Librarians have long been committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of library users' information. But the past two decades have brought great changes to library service and the concept of privacy itself. New technologies, new and evolving laws and regulations, and transformative social change have made privacy a complex concept that can be difficult to master and apply.

While we may understand our obligation to protect privacy in theory, what happens when we are asked by legal authorities to monitor patron behavior? To respond to subpoenas or warrants? What are libraries' legal obligations when collecting, using or sharing library users' data, and how do international privacy laws like the General Data Protection Regulation or the Right to be Forgotten affect U.S. libraries?

In this eCourse, brought to you in collaboration with the Office for Intellectual Freedom, we will provide you with clarity and order on what can be a complex topic. You’ll learn about the legal framework for upholding your patrons’ right to privacy when it comes to both physical and digital sources of information. You’ll understand how federal, state and international data regulations apply—or don't apply—to the library, how contract negotiations can be a tool for protecting patron privacy, and how you can comply with the law while upholding your patrons' rights.

After participating in this course, you will understand:

• Basic theories and structure of privacy law in the United States
• The legal foundations for library users' right to privacy        
• Laws regulating and protecting students' and minors' privacy in the classroom and in the library
• Best practices for responding to law enforcement inquiries, court orders, and warrants
• How to use policies, contract negotiations, and privacy frameworks to protect patron privacy

How this eCourse Works
The eCourse begins on February 3, 2020. Your participation will require approximately four to five hours a week, at times that fit your schedule. There are no live sessions. All activities take place on the website, and you will be expected to

• Read, listen to or view online content
• Post to online discussion boards
• Complete weekly assignments or activities

Instructor Deborah Caldwell-Stone  will monitor discussion boards regularly during the 4-week period, lead group discussions, and will also answer individual questions. All interaction will take place on the eCourse site, which will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's recommended that students log into the site on the first day of class or within a few days for an overview of the content and to begin the first lesson.

For more information please visit ALA's Site

Limited seating - priority will be given to SEFLIN members.  If your library is not a member of SEFLIN and you do not have an individual SEFLIN account please create an account at seflin.org.  Individuals need to FIRST have a SEFLIN account to then register on the wait-list HERE.  (Please make sure you refresh your browser after opening an account.)  We will grant first come first serve access if seats remain available.