"A new tool to protect patron privacy" by Chuck McAndrew

Image by Petter Lagson on Unsplash

This article gives an overview of online surveillance, data security, and VPNs and applies these principles to a library setting. McAndrew suggests that libraries could be suitable places for patrons to gain access to VPNs and to learn more about data privacy.

• As the public becomes more aware of online surveillance and data breaching, there is a large demand for more secure web browsing (p.1).

• Virtual Private Networks or VPN services protect the privacy and security of the patron by encrypting the user’s device (p.1).

• Two main issues with VPNs are that it requires a paid subscription and that VPNs require people to put their trust in the VPN company when there could be potential malware or the selling of data (p.1).

• The article argues that Librarians can be seen as a physical VPN because patrons come to the library with information needs and there are laws to protect patrons' library records in all 50 states (p.2).

• LibraryVPN: project allows patrons to download the LibraryVPN application and connect to the library’s VPN server wherever they are (p.2).

• LibraryVPN was created with idea that all patrons should have protected internet browsing access and not just patrons who can afford a VPN (p.3).

1. Ask students: After learning about VPNs and their potential role in the library, in what ways could you see VPNs or a similar technology be implemented in our own library?

2. After reading about online surveillance and data breaching, will this affect the way you use the internet? What steps could you take to have a safer browsing experience?

McAndrew, C. (2020). LibraryVPN: A new tool to protect patron privacy. Information

Technology and Libraries (Online), 39(2), 1-3. http://dx.doi.org/10.6017/ital.v39i2.12391