Libraries and Big Data...
I buy a lot of stuff from Amazon and I have never really been that concerned about the data being collected based on my purchases. I actually think it can be a good thing, it provide suggestions that you may not have otherwise know about that are similar to item in your order history. I generally buy music media, like CDs and Vinyl so the suggestions are pretty neat because I have found out about some bands and artist that I really like because Amazon thinks they are similar to other artists I have purchased, or other customer who purchased the same items also bought them. Similarly, Facebook ads popping up in the middle of my feed offer the same service, but it’s slightly off in that it is usually something I have already purchased and they are asking me to buy it again. That can get a little irritating. So, it is not so much the collection of data that worries me but rather the amount and the use of that data. When is it too much?
I feel that Library can use big data but still maintain patron privacy. The library is in a position to gain knowledge, and part of that knowledge is information on their patron be them students, faculty, or the public. Public libraries are a prime area where big data collection can benefit the user as well as the library. Digitized collection allow for metadata and indexing to be attributed to items so library can not only have a searchable database of the collection, but they can add value by adding a story behind the item. This can be applied to patrons account history as well. Some libraries have an “opt in” reading history attached to their online ILS where patrons can choose to have there check out/in history stored. This could be used by the library to suggest further reading, like an automated reader’s advisory, in an effort to suggest items form the collection that the patron may not have noticed before. Ideally this information would only be used by the library system, and the “opt in” requirement would allow the patron to choose if the service is right for them.
It seems that the digital age has brought as many headaches as it as brought conveniences, so the trick is to be willing to embrace these new technologies, but be wary of malicious intent and give information only to trusted entities, like the library!
