Re: [IUG] E-mail marketing using the Millennium patron database

[Steve Lindemann <steve at marmot dot org>]

Hahn, Harvey wrote:
> Heather Parker wrote:
> |I just was following up and wanted to know what you ended up doing?
> |________________________________________
> |Barbara Storch wrote:
> |We are considering using e-mail marketing software that would enable us
> |to send out our newsletter and other communications.  Has anyone
> |implemented this type of software, using an exported Millennium patron
> |database?
>
> A thought: people register as patrons so that they may borrow materials
> from a library's collection or use information resources, such as
> electronic databases, all of which are patron-paid (e.g., by property
> taxes).  That patron information is only what's necessary to carry out
> the library's business of loaning materials (including lost/overdue
> financial considerations) or accessing electronic information, and is
> normally protected by state laws so that it can't be used outside of
> those parameters.  Wouldn't the suggested use of that information above
> not only possibly violate state law but also violate a patron's privacy?
> I think privacy-related services might be permissible only if individual
> patrons have *opted in* to permit the library to use their personal
> information for other (i.e., noncirculation) purposes.  Perhaps other
> people have thoughts to share, too??
>
> Harvey
>  

Speaking as a patron: I would be extremely pissed at a library that 
misused my information that way.  Harvey, thank you for saying it so 
well.  I get enough *spam* and I'm pretty sure most other folks do to.

Speaking as a network/system admin: my professional opinion is that any 
organization that does not use *opt in* for delivery of marketing and 
other such materials to individuals should be stripped of their network 
access.

<soapbox>
Forcing someone to *opt out* of receiving materials they don't 
explicitly request in unacceptable behavior and shows a complete lack of 
ethics.  Whether or not it is legal, it is still unethical and just flat 
wrong.
</soapbox>
--
Steve Lindemann                         __
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