User privacy in the digital library environment: a matter of concern for information professionals

User privacy has taken on a fresh importance as digital resources and systems become increasingly important in libraries. Public and professional concern has been aroused by numerous instances of the privacy‐threatening effects of current technical and legal developments. Not only do loan and other transactions leave traces in library management systems, but Internet use at public terminals in libraries is also vulnerable to intrusion. Whilst the UK data protection legislation offers protection to personal data, new legislation such as the 2000 Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act suggest a different tendency. The Legal and Policy Research Group at Loughborough University’s Department of Information Science is working on a substantial investigation, funded by Re:source, of the issue of user privacy in the digital library environment. Guidelines on privacy matters for information professionals are being developed on the basis of the investigation.