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.