According to the American Library Association (ALA), “The right to 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. Privacy is essential to free inquiry in the library because it enables library users to select, access, and consider information and ideas without fear of embarrassment, judgment, punishment, or ostracism.”
Additionally, the Library Bill of Rights, article 7 states:
All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.
All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use.
Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.
One way to see the value placed on privacy at PCC Libraries is that the library does not keep a record of items you’ve checked out once they’ve been returned. This is in an effort to protect your privacy. Learn more about privacy and confidentiality of library records at the PCC Library.
The Opt Out: School Devices are Sharing Your Family’s Data, But You Can Stop Them Popular Science, September 1, 2022.
State Privacy Legislation Tracker International Association of Privacy Professionals (April 21, 2025)
Two Years Post-Roe: A Better Understanding of Digital Threats Electronic Frontier Foundation, April 18, 2024
Privacy in an AI Era: How Do We Protect Our Personal Information? The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI), March 18, 2024
American Library Association: Privacy Learn more about your right to privacy.
Electronic Frontier Foundation The Electronic Frontier Foundation defends civil liberties in the digital world. Founded in 1990, EFF champions user privacy, free expression, and innovation through impact litigation, policy analysis, grassroots activism, and technology development. Check out their Guide To Google Account Privacy Settings For Students.
National Cybersecurity Alliance: Managing Your Privacy Practical tips to keep you safer online.
Protecting Your Child’s Privacy Online Information from the Federal Trade Commission about the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). As a parent, you have control over the personal information companies collect online from your kids under 13. This site includes links to other information about protecting kids online.
Surveillance Self-Defense: Tips, Tools and How-to for Safer Online Communications A guide to protecting yourself from electronic surveillance for people all over the world from beginner to advanced.
How Americans View Data Privacy From the Pew Research Center. The role of technology companies, AI and regulation – plus personal experiences with data breaches, passwords, cybersecurity and privacy policies.
American Library Association. “Library Bill of Rights.” American Library Association, 29 Jan. 2019, www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
—. “Privacy.” American Library Association, Oct. 2021, www.ala.org/advocacy/node/466/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.