The Dark Web and Libraries (Preserving Patron Anonymity on the Web)

Time: Nov 7, 2019 08:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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https://emporiastate.zoom.us/j/513610951

This webinar will be archived for later view without any cost at https://video.emporia.edu later.

[Description]

With concerns about Internet privacy and security threats, and attacks on policies that protect Internet users – like net neutrality – it is more important than ever to educate yourself about technologies that have the potential to preserve your online rights. While the dark web has received negative media coverage in recent years, in reality it is nothing more than a hyper-secure platform that makes the user virtually anonymous. Used for the right purposes, the dark web can be an important tool for expanding information privacy, information exchange, and freedom from censorship. The purpose of this webinar is to introduce library professionals and Internet users about the dark web, how it works, and how it can be used in your library and home. Key myths and conversations about what the dark web is, media coverage, and why the dark web platforms have transitioned away from calling it by that name, will be discussed.

Key topics of discussion in this webinar include:

·         What the dark web is, and how it came to exist

·         How to install and use some of the basic dark web tools including TOR and I2P

·         How the dark web can be used to fulfill the values and missions of libraries and information organizations

·         How the dark web can be employed on a large-scale in library and information centers and what these organizations can do to support the expansion and security of the dark web

Following the webinar, participants will be able to:

·         Describe what the dark web is

·         Use the dark web to improve the privacy of themselves and their service populations

·         Engage in informed advocacy on the part of the dark web

[Presenters]

Brady Lund is a PhD student at Emporia State University’s School of Library and Information Management, where he also received his MLS degree. He presented on the topic of the dark web at both the 2017 and 2019 American Library Association Annual Conferences and is co-author of the book Casting Light on the Dark Web: A Guide for Safe Exploration.

Matthew Beckstrom is systems manager at the Lewis and Clark Library in Helena, Montana. He received his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Montana State University and his MLIS from the University of North Texas. He presented along with Brady at the 2019 ALA Annual Conference on the topic of the dark web and is co-author of Casting Light on the Dark Web.