A Guide to Using the Anonymous Web in Libraries and Information Organizations: Enhancing Patron Privacy and Information Access

A Guide to Using the Anonymous Web in Libraries and Information Organizations provides practical guidance to those who are interested in integrating the anonymous web into their services. It will be particularly useful to those seeking to promote enhanced privacy for their patrons.

The book begins by explaining, in simple terms, what the anonymous web is, how it works, and its benefits for users. Lund and Beckstrom also explain why they believe access to the anonymous web should be provided in library and information organizations around the world. They describe how to provide access, as well as educate library users on how to utilize the anonymous web and navigate any challenges that might arise during implementation. The authors also encourage the development of library policies that guide appropriate conduct and filter content, where appropriate, in order to deter illegal activity.

A Guide to Using the Anonymous Web in Libraries and Information Organizations reminds us that libraries and other information providers have a duty to educate and support their communities, while also preserving privacy. Demonstrating that the anonymous web can help them to fulfil these obligations, this book will be essential reading for library and information professionals working around the world.

Brady D. Lund is a PhD candidate at Emporia State University’s School of Library and Information Management (Emporia, KS, USA), where he also earned his Master of Library Science degree. His research focuses on scholarly communications, information technology in libraries, information and data ethics, and data science.

Matthew A. Beckstrom has been with the Lewis & Clark Library in Helena Montana since 1999 as the Systems Manager/Librarian. He received his undergraduate degree in computer science from Montana State University Billings in 2010, and graduated with his Masters of Information Science in Information Systems degree, with two graduate academic certificates from the University of North Texas in 2012. He is currently on the Montana Library Association board as the chapter councilor for the American Library Association, is the chair of the Montana Intellectual Freedom Committee, and serves on the American Library Association Council.