This paper aims to describe the benefits of the Brave web browser and its native cryptocurrency, the Basic Attention Token (BAT), for use by library patrons to preserve privacy and as a potential fundraising platform for libraries.
The Brave browser and BAT are introduced, an analysis of trends in adoption of these technologies is discussed and an argument for libraries to adopt/promote these technologies is presented.
Libraries could support the online privacy of their patrons if they encourage them to adopt the Brave browser, which is designed with privacy and security in mind. Libraries could also benefit from participating in the Brave Rewards program, which allows Brave users to donate BAT, a cryptotoken that they earn by viewing Brave ads, which can be traded for cash.
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first to discuss the applications of the Brave browser in libraries and the potentials of cryptocurrency adoption by libraries.
