Week Four Internet Safety and Library Policy
Hello!
For this week I have been thinking about even if you are extremely careful the internet is still a dangerous place. We have a responsibility to learn about the dangers for ourselves and also for the community we serve.
To start here is an article that gives good basics of internet safety. As I first started to look at internet safety the acronym S.M.A.R.T kept popping up. This is meant for children but I think it is important for all internet users to keep in mind. See the image below for more details:
(Image Credit: AG Parts Education)
After looking at this guide I wanted to look at more specifics to be safe. This is when I found a Google Guide. I highly recommend this resource because it hits so many important issues such as knowing how to secure your account and recognize when your accounts have been hacked.
(Image Credit: Eastcoastitnotes)
One reason to review a guide like this is it can't hurt to check your knowledge right? As I read through the guide I was feeling confident. Then I took this quiz. This quiz tests how well you can spot a phishing scam, in some of my jobs I have taken internet safety training and would even get "test emails" that were meant to mimic phishing scams to check if we were paying attention. I was shocked that I got only half of the questions right. It really showed me how keeping safe on the internet is an active task.
(Image Credit: Tompkins County Public Library)
Thinking about how this all applied to me and my future career as a librarian I looked at a few of my local library's policies.
First I read the general computer and internet policy. Some of the things that stuck out to me were that users need to follow a few specific guidelines (no child pornography) but overall the policy places the responsibility on the patron. There is a section that says library users under 12 do need parental permission to use the internet.
Next, I looked at the library's safe child policy. Once again I was surprised how little there is here. Its main purpose seems to be warning parents they are responsible for their children.
The last policy I looked at was the library's social media policy. This is a guide on social media expectations for the public and for staff. Again the policy seems very basic and leaves responsibility to the users rather then setting very specific guidelines.
Now this may seem alarming at first because it seems that there are not many strict rules about internet safety. However, it is important to acknowledge how different libraries are for example public schools. I understand that public libraries need policies in place to protect themselves and their patrons. Yet one of the fundamentals of libraries is freedom to information.
As I consider all the dangers of the internet I think there are a few things I would suggest when I am working in a library again.
1) Monthly internet safety programs. I think having a set program where people can learn more about keeping their information safe would help library engagement and the public they serve.
2) Have set "tech help" hours. This would be a time designated (hopefully once a week) when a staff member or volunteer would be available to help with tech questions. During this time hopefully, internet safety skills could be taught or a handout given for future reference on internet safety tips.
3) Make sure library staff all have frequent training on internet safety. This training will help staff, protect the library and help qualify staff to teach internet safety.
4) When starting a teen or children's program make sure that internet safety is incorporated if appropriate to the program.
With these suggestions, I think the library would be better prepared to promote internet safety.
Also I was curious what other library internet policies look like and I found New York Public Library's Internet Safety Tips for Children. It is really well written and detailed, I think it could work as a good template for libraries that are not sure where to start when writing internet safety policies.
(Image Credit: New York Public Library)
These are fantastic programmatic suggestions, Kira, and ones that can be implemented without much cost. Suggestions #1 and 2 can be proactive- you can provide tips about how to change privacy settings, how to block and report, etc. You can include general technology tips such as the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. All of these create safer "surfers!"
ReplyDeleteThank you! I know libraries are so often spread pretty thin so I really hope what I suggest would not cost much time or money while also generating interest in some different programs.
DeleteHi Kira! I thought it was so interesting your mentioned of phishing scams and how your jobs tested you for your literacy in them. While they may seem annoying, tests like that are truly important for adults to understand that internet safety does not just apply to children, but to adults as well. Any one can be a victim of online scams and it is important to be able to recognize the signs and trust one's gut. As someone who loves a good acronym, The SMART acronym is a great way to remember to stop and think about elements of internet safety. Even if I do not remember all of what the acronym stand for, it reminds me to stop and think in general.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny I'd always get annoyed at the trainings but one time I fell for one and it kind of hit me how easy it is to open something without thinking. I worked at a place with very sensitive information. And it was scary to think I could have compromised that because I was not careful. (I also find acronyms useful so I was happy to add SMART to my knowledge bank)
DeleteHi Kira,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we all have to educate ourselves and our communities about internet safety. It's easy to assume we're tech savvy, especially since we have devices that we use every single day, but similar to your experience with the phishing scam quiz which it seems that there's always more to learn. I liked your analysis of your local library's policies. It's interesting to see how different institutions approach internet safety. Your idea of having monthly internet safety programs and designated tech help hours seems to be a good way to empower library users and staff to be more confident with technology. At the library I work at, we offer book a librarian sessions which are similar to tech help hours. You’d be surprised at how many patrons fall for scams. I’m glad they come to us and we are there to stop them. However, having internet safety programs for children would be beneficial because librarians can ingrain habits early on which would increase responsible online behavior. Have you encountered any instances where internet safety had an impact on your patron interactions at the library? Lastly, thank you for sharing the New York Public Library's Internet Safety Tips for Children. It's reassuring to know that there are resources out there to guide us in creating more internet safety policies. By having guidelines like this and training programs, libraries can better equip themselves to address the challenges of internet safety. Thanks for sharing!
Making assumptions is something I am guilty of! I don't currently work in a library but the last time I did I would often be the go to person to help with tech stuff (I was about 20 years younger than everyone else). Patience was key in those interactions. I once had a man need help who was confused how to use a cursor! I think it is increasingly important to weave internet safety tips into library programs and one on one interactions. I remember I had a lady tell me about sending money to someone that emailed her (which was an obvious scam). I remember feeling overwhelmed. Hopefully more libraries can prep staff for situations like that. Because it may seem easy and obvious but it could make a huge difference to someone.
DeleteHello Kira,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the internet can be a dangerous place if we aren’t being responsible with how we use it, but it can also be wonderful and enlightening when we learn how to be responsible users! The SMART picture you included in your post is great for everyone to learn regardless of their age. I also took the phishing quiz and it was very hard to differentiate between the phishing emails and the legitimate emails. I think it is important for schools to dedicate time to teach students, staff, and teachers how to correctly differentiate between phishing emails and legitimate emails because if they don't know the difference then it is more likely for them to download malicious files into their devices which can jeopardize their privacy and personal information. I like how you pointed out that libraries offer an opportunity for people to have freedom of information which is a reason why the AUPs you found were basic and left all the responsibility to the patron (or their parents if they are under 12 years old). Lastly, I liked all of the suggestions you offered to promote internet safety, the patrons will definitely gain a lot of valuable information.
Thanks for sharing!
Daniela