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THE SYSTEMS LIBRARIAN
Tech Strategies Strengthen Libraries Facing Challenging Times
by Marshall Breeding
| As the political environment becomes more polarized and strident, libraries should strengthen their defenses. |
While I continue to be optimistic about the future of libraries, it’s impossible to ignore strengthening headwinds that impact our institutions and profession. Not that long ago, libraries seemed universally beloved and supported. Although still well-appreciated by the communities they serve, many libraries face growing pockets of opposition focused on some of the fundamental values that shape their operations and services. Universal goodwill toward libraries can no longer be taken for granted. In these times, libraries need to take actions to reinforce their positions within the communities they serve to strengthen public perceptions. This includes both defensive and proactive measures. Others with more expertise in advocacy and policy provide guidance for libraries in those areas. In this column, I focus on the role of technology to address prevailing concerns. It’s important to say that the best course for libraries is to do what they have always done: provide excellent information sources and services to their communities. Libraries hold essential roles for schools, universities, and their local communities. I work in the library sector because it contributes to the betterment of society. During these times of heightened tensions, libraries can move forward boldly, highlighting the obvious benefits they provide. Technology isn’t an answer in itself, but it can give libraries additional tools to fine-tune their strategies.
Strengthen Security
I anticipate that libraries may be subject to more cyberattacks and need to take defensive measures to bolster privacy and security. In recent years, multiple libraries have suffered devastating attacks on their technical infrastructure. The ransomware incidents at the British Library and Toronto Public Library were extremely disruptive and resulted in incredible expense for the recovery of systems and services.
It’s not necessarily possible to know the motives of the organizations and individuals that launch cyberattacks against libraries. Most seem to be opportunists looking for financial rewards, probing at the infrastructure of any organization that seems as if it has the resources to pay a ransom or that has data with potential value for resale or blackmail. Libraries are certainly not the only types of organizations targeted. As the political environment becomes more polarized and strident, libraries should strengthen their defenses. We should be doing this anyway, but the political climate may mean at least an incremental possibility of attack.
Several technical measures are essential for adequate security defenses. These include encryption of all communications as well as any sensitive data files, two-factor authentication for any form of administrative access to systems and services, rapid deployment of security patches for OSs and software applications, and firewalls configured to deflect any incoming malware transmitted through all communications streams (such as email, messaging apps, or collaboration tools). Even personal devices of staff members can propagate malware onto institutional networks if not adequately protected. Most importantly, comprehensive training and awareness must be instilled among all personnel to avoid the many schemes that entice individuals to click on buttons or links that activate malware attacks. These schemes have become increasingly sophisticated and convincing to the degree that even experts may have a hard time identifying risky messages.
Guarantee Patron Privacy
The other defensive strategy involves redoubling efforts to enforce patron privacy. Protection of privacy is a strongly held value of the library profession and sets libraries apart from other governmental and commercial organizations. No third party should be able to track information accessed through a library, except in limited circumstances when required through valid law enforcement provisions. The consequences of leakage of a patron’s personal information and reading patterns increase during periods of societal strain. Measures to fully encrypt all data and transmissions related to patron activities, including access to library websites, searches performed through catalog or discovery services, items selected, and content accessed must be comprehensively enforced. Data related to physical lending must be rigorously protected and thoroughly deleted or anonymized with the completion of each transaction.
Address Misinformation
Libraries are well-positioned to help their communities—and even the broader society—deal with the onslaught of misinformation. It is harder than ever for individuals to find accurate information and data regarding any given topic or event. Reliable news sources often live behind paywalls, while less reputable sources propagate without barriers. We face an overload of content through social networks and other media. It takes considerable effort, even for information professionals, to distinguish between genuine and fabricated content. Generative AI (gen AI) enables the creation of text, images, and videos that can’t easily be distinguished from objectively created items. Libraries can help address the prevailing misinformation ecosystem and facilitate better access to reliable content. This issue seems intractable, although libraries can contribute toward better digital literacy for their patrons and the general public. They can foster conversations in their communities to increase awareness of these issues.
Master AI Technologies
Libraries should take a close look at their own use of AI-based tools and services. This is a time when they have begun to test and deploy gen AI tools for enhanced search, chatbots, metadata production, and other services to increase productivity and efficiency. It’s essential that libraries rigorously test these tools before deploying them publicly. It is unhelpful to the broader concern about misinformation should libraries themselves offer untrustworthy services.
Libraries, by and large, have been responsible partners with the developers of AI tools to be sure that they conform to their high standards for objectivity, reliability, and ethics, although room remains for improvement. These tools should be used to help address prevailing problems that libraries face rather than to simply demonstrate innovation for its own sake. There seems to be great potential for gen AI to help harness misinformation on the web and social media, although that ideal remains far from realized.
Leverage Analytics
Analytics services are important tools that can help libraries hone their services, expand their reach, and strengthen public perceptions. Libraries have vast amounts of data at their disposal, often generated and accumulated through the applications and platforms they use to manage their operations and deliver their services. Analytics tools can identify patterns that demonstrate any gaps in service and reveal opportunities to reach deeper into their communities. Data and analytics help document the accomplishments of the organization and prove the value of supporting its communities. Working in tandem with advanced outreach and messaging platforms, libraries promote the essential work they perform. Solid evidence of positive contributions also serves as an important line of defense to detractors who may seek to limit funding or question the importance of libraries.
Strategic Response
Strategic use of new and established technologies is essential to facilitate the work of libraries and to advance their position in educational and public communities. Technology can be seen only as one component of the dynamics currently in play among libraries, their supporters, their detractors, and broader societal and political trends. Much depends on strong advocacy, proactive strategies to promote the work of libraries, and effective defenses in response to attempts at censorship of collection materials or threats to withdraw funding. The work of libraries has never been easy, but it seems that incredible challenges lie ahead. |
Marshall Breeding is an independent consultant, writer, and frequent library conference speaker and is the founder of Library Technology Guides (