Audits

Privacy audits are procedures to ensure that your organization’s goals and promises of privacy and confidentiality are supported by its practices. As a result, they protect confidential information from abuse and the organization from liability and public relations problems.

A privacy audit provides a library an opportunity to examine:

  • How privacy matters are handled at all levels
  • The flow and storage of data
  • The role data plays within the organization
  • Staff training about privacy matters
  • Existing and needed privacy policies

Resources

  • Guidelines and Checklists: Libraries can use the ALA Library Privacy Guidelines and Checklists as a tool in the audit process.
  • Webinar: This webinar from the Metropolitan New York Library Council will help walk you through the audit process.
  • Field Guide: A Privacy Audit Field Guide will be available by the end of 2021 for libraries of all types. This guide will offer hands-on practical steps to help you complete an audit.