Abstract |
Understanding target user's inner characteristics and information needs could help librarians pay attention to details that lead to increased use of the service. Live virtual reference(LVR) users value anonymity. A written privacy policy posted on the LVR web page would reassure users of their privacy, attracts vigilant users, and inhibits unnecessary mis understanding. Through investigating library privacy policies of top fifty universities in USA(ranked by U.S. News & World Report 2005), the article attempts to find what information should be included in a dedicated and thorough privacy policy for live virtual reference users. The author examines these privacy policies posted on the university library web sites using 12 self-developed indicators. The article presents a draft privacy statement dedicated to LVR at the end.
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