Maryland Library Association/Delaware Library Association 2015 Conference
May 6-8, 2015
Data Mining Craft
The session on data mining at
the 2015 Maryland Library Association Conference explored the legal, ethical
and privacy issues related to the collection of data, and challenged the
audience to consider the library’s role in its collection and dissemination.
The presenter, Carrie Gardner, stated that when it comes to the use of
electronics, the amount of freedom you enjoy is inversely proportional to how
much time you are willing to expend. An example is having an online vendor make
recommendations based on your purchasing habits rather than performing multiple
searches. She also pointed out that individuals are covered by different laws
depending on the country or state they reside in.
Issues that directly involve
libraries include keeping track of what people read and library computer usage.
Even if the library does not collect this information, security cameras are
recording much of this activity. Librarians have been asked by some patrons to
collect this information so they can keep track of what they have read while
others do not want this information retained. Libraries need to be aware that
they are not required to collect Personally Identifiable Information (PPI), but
if they do they are subject to subpoena. Even libraries that say they do not
retain this information are being approached by vendors, and consider
subscribing to, products that collect data for the purpose of making better
purchasing recommendations.
It is very difficult to
completely go off the grid. Even if you use only cash, and do not use the
Internet, a cell phone or EZ Pass, you are still being recorded by cameras.
Facial recognition software has become more sophisticated and has been touted
as helping to identify the Boston Marathon bombers. Medical information is
shared by health organizations, and friends and associates often post your
picture online without your knowledge.
Carrie presented the subject
in a way that was engaging and challenging while managing to be balanced and
fair about the myriad of issues. After going over my notes, I’m considering
posting this anonymously.
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