Best Practices

Protecting Patron Privacy on Public Access Computers

By Librarica LLC

Protecting patron privacy is a challenge in a public computing and printing setting. Patrons are not always computer savvy and therefore are not always aware of how they can protect their own privacy. With some simple changes, libraries can easily set up their public computers and printers to automatically protect patron privacy. In the age of identity theft and internet crime, there is no such thing as being too careful.

Patrons often inadvertently save documents or passwords on the public computers. Internet browsers can also save sensitive information about the persons who use them. Most internet browsers can be configured to clear history when closed. Another option is to encourage patrons to use the privacy mode feature that is available on most modern browsers. When the browser is running in privacy mode, it will not store any user-specific or website-specific information, such as internet history, cookies, or passwords, on the local computer. Browser shortcuts on the desktop can be configured to automatically open browsers with the privacy mode enabled.

If your library is using computer management software, you may configure the software to close all applications and documents, delete print jobs, and clear sensitive browser data between patron sessions. Hard drive reset programs, such as Microsoft’s free Windows SteadyState program, reset the computer’s hard drive back to its original state upon reboot. Computer management software can be configured to reboot computers after each session to allow the hard drive reset program to completely reset the hard drive between patrons.

The library's computer management software may also allow configurations for inactivity timeouts. If a patron walks away from a computer while logged in, the software can sense inactivity. After a certain period of inactivity, the software can automatically lock the computer for that patron, or end the patron’s session and close all open applications and documents.

Computer management software may also be configured to hide sensitive information on computer screens and receipts. Receipts are often tossed into easily accessible trash cans, which can be accessed or viewed by other patrons. Patron privacy is protected if the receipts contain no Patron ID or password information. For any staff computer screens which may in public view, certain sensitive fields on the staff interface (such as the passwords) can be hidden to protect privacy.

Finally, patron privacy must also be protected with respect to printing. If patrons send printouts to the printer directly from their computers, placing the printer(s) in plain view can deter patrons from picking up others’ print jobs. Coversheets may also be used to identify and separate print jobs. This helps ensure that print jobs are not mistakenly taken off the printer by someone else. Using a print release stations offers an additional measure of privacy and security. Patrons must log into the print release station with their credentials to view, pay for, and print their documents. With the print release station, patrons release their print jobs while standing in front of the printer. This ensures that only the owner of the print job is able to retrieve it.

In conclusion, protecting patron privacy is a priority for libraries. By setting up the public computers to automatically protect patron privacy, libraries will alleviate patron concerns and reduce computer maintenance tasks for staff.

Librarica LLC offers solutions for the management of printers and wired/wireless computers in public and academic libraries and computer labs. www.librarica.com