2021-08-13 SPLAT Curiosity Report: Volume 9, Issue 4

Featured Story

Privacy Literacy & Libraries

Amazon has launched a new service that promises to push the concept of the smart home further, but it has also raised concerns about privacy and security.

On June 8th, Amazon Sidewalk went live. This service leverages smart-home accessories like the Echo and the Ring to create a weak, but wide-ranging, mesh network. There are other writers who can better describe how the service works, and who have analyzed the benefits and risks of extending your home’s digital presence beyond its walls. Others have tackled the ethics of activating a wide-ranging service automatically, requiring users to opt-out rather than opt-in. It is not our job as librarians to decide if developing technologies like Sidewalk are good or bad.

That said, it is a troubling reminder that tech companies often rely on the complacency of their customers. Companies that collect and sell our data do so because we consent to it. Amazon has created a vast network that siphons the WiFi of millions of their users, and they never had to ask.

And here we do have a role. Libraries can advocate to protect privacy in our communities. When powerful companies erode the privacy of our communities, we can raise awareness about the consequences. We can educate our users about their data, how it is gathered and used. We can, and should, help them take steps to protect themselves.

If you need a place to start, check San Jose Public Library’s Virtual Privacy Lab. You’ll find a series of toolkits designed to teach people the basics of online privacy and security. They also have some great resources for libraries to evaluate how well they protect the privacy of their users.

The Library Freedom Project has a great series of infographics and guides related to data, surveillance, and privacy.

Lastly, the ALA has talked at length about the importance of privacy to our profession. On their Choose Privacy Every Day site you’ll find a wealth of toolkits, guidelines, and publications related to privacy in Libraries.

– Simon Clifford

Fail Forward

We’ve all been there. You pour your heart into a program, and no one shows up. You try something new, and you fall on your face. Sound familiar? Fail Forward is the place to share your failures, and give you the opportunity to share what you learned from them. Did you promote your program in a different way after no one showed up? Maybe you took a new approach to the new thing you were excited about? Awesome! Share your story via our online form so others can learn, and realize that failure is often part of the process.

Pomodoro Method

When I have a writing deadline or a project to complete, I can always find a million other things to focus my attention on (sometimes my email folders are very organized). A method that helps me focus on one thing and actually get it done is the Pomodoro Method. The idea is that you work for 20 or 25 minutes straight (set a timer!) and then give yourself a 5 minute break. It’s a great way to trick yourself into productivity!

– Jessica Martinez

Crush Corner

Is there a library you follow on social media who is always doing new and exciting things? How about a blog you follow that inspires you? What about a new idea, book, or resource that you want to share? Library Crush Corner is a place for those working in Idaho libraries to share what inspires them, and who or what they’re crushing on… in a professional sense. Share your story via our online form so we can publish it in a future issue!

New York Public Library

Back in the spring I had the biggest crush on the New York public library for being an institution for civil engagement and education. In June 2021, New Yorkers started using ranked choice voting in primary and special elections for mayor, public advocate, comptroller, borough president, and city council. To help their patrons practice this new system, The New York Public Library  teamed up with Gohamist to present this Big Apple Book Ballot. The 13 books from which you can choose reflect and celebrate the diversity of NYC and feature the city not just as a setting but almost as another character in the story. All of these titles have been loved by readers since the day they hit the shelves, but which was the most popular among New Yorkers?

Participating in federal, state, and local elections is the best way to make sure your community’s issues and needs are represented in our government.The New York Public Library is there to help its patrons find all of the resources to be an informed voter. Creating an opportunity to educate and have the public practice the ranking system before the election was a great idea!

– Eric Hovey

SPLAT explores the ever-evolving library world and supports library folks as they adapt to meet the needs of their communities. Library folk throughout the state of Idaho volunteer to serve on the Special Projects Library Action Team (SPLAT). Learn more about SPLAT at splat.lili.org

SPLAT is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and was made possible, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LS-246156-OLS-20). The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.