Privacy of Staff Biometric Data in Vulnerable Population Outreach

Abstract

In restoring Outreach services following COVID-19, Mobile Servcies staff at King County Library System (KCLS) have encountered a growing concern for staff data privacy. A significant number of facilities have begun replacing paper sign-in logs with automated kiosks that record, store, and share a large amount of staff personal, medical, and biometric data. This article provides an example that demonstrates the widespread implications for outreach staff data privacy, and explores broader considerations related to this trend. It shares principles that may assist other libraries in developing guidelines for staff data privacy during outreach visits.