Library Computers: Cameras Watching Or Not?

Whether library computers have cameras is a concern for many people, especially those who wish to maintain their privacy while studying or browsing. While some libraries have computers with built-in webcams, others provide external webcams that can be borrowed and used within the library premises. Additionally, some libraries have surveillance cameras installed, which may be pointed at entry and exit points or cover other areas such as reference desks and self-checkout kiosks. However, the presence and use of cameras in libraries can be a controversial topic, with some patrons and staff expressing concerns about the potential invasion of privacy and the lack of transparency around data retention policies.

Computers with webcams are available at Phoenix College Library

Computers with built-in webcams are available at Phoenix College Library. The library's study rooms have computer desktops with webcams. To use these rooms, a staff member will verify your name and hand you a key. These computers are available to PC students only.

Webcams are also available for checkout and can be used in the library. You can borrow one from a staff member at the checkout desk.

The Phoenix College Library also has a general open lab with a large number of computers for students to use. The Library Computer Labs are an instructional open-computer lab facility available to all Phoenix College faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students. The facility includes printers, scanners, webcams, and various course-related software.

Webcams are also available for checkout at Phoenix College Library

It is unclear whether library computers typically have cameras. However, the Phoenix College Library does provide computers with webcams in its study rooms. These study rooms are available to Phoenix College students only. To gain access, a staff member will verify your name and hand you a key to the room.

If you are unable to access a study room, webcams are also available for checkout at the Phoenix College Library. To borrow a webcam, simply visit the checkout desk and speak to a staff member. You will need to provide your MEID. You can then use the webcam while you are in the library.

The Library Computer Labs at Phoenix College are an instructional open-computer lab facility. They are available to all Phoenix College faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students. The facility assists students and faculty with various software and hardware questions. In addition to webcams, the facility also includes printers, scanners, and various course-related software.

If you are a student at Phoenix College, you can take advantage of the webcams available in the study rooms or the checkout service at the library. This will enable you to participate in any online activities that require a webcam, such as quizzes or video calls. The library's computer labs also offer a range of other resources to support your educational needs.

Computers at McMaster University Library have built-in webcams

The centre has a variety of other equipment available for use, including microphones, headphones, and a podcast studio. The podcast studio is a great space for recording audio work in a group, especially if it's for a podcast or interview. The room has been set up for this type of situation and even allows for simultaneous recording of video.

The university library has 140 desktop computers across its three campus libraries, all installed with a suite of productivity and accessibility software. The libraries also have some of the best wireless coverage on campus.

Georgia State University computers have webcams

Many universities provide computers with webcams for their students. Georgia State University is one such university.

The university library computers at Georgia State University do have webcams. A student at the university posted on Reddit asking about the availability of webcams on library computers, as they needed to take a quiz that required a lockdown browser and a webcam. Another student replied that the computers do have webcams, and if a microphone is also needed, one can be borrowed from the front desk.

The computers are available in the main public spaces of campus libraries, and there are Windows and Mac desktops. The computers are located in the Library North Study Commons, Library North 1, 2, 3, and 4, Library South 3, and the Atlanta Campus library.

In addition to the computers with webcams, the university also offers laptops for students to borrow for late-night studying in the Library North Study Commons.

Surveillance cameras are installed in some libraries

While it is unclear whether library computers have cameras, surveillance cameras are installed in some libraries. For instance, the Phoenix College Library has webcams in its study rooms. Similarly, Georgia State University's library computers also have webcams.

Surveillance cameras in libraries can take many forms. They can be institutional, used for security purposes, or individuals using their devices to film the library building or users. Libraries should develop clear policies regarding video surveillance, addressing all possible forms and making them publicly available. These policies should be developed in consultation with legal counsel and should include protocols for notice, data storage, and routine destruction of data.

The decision to install surveillance cameras in libraries involves a delicate balance between security benefits and the protection of users' rights to privacy and confidentiality. Some argue that surveillance cameras are necessary for security, especially in the context of school shootings. However, others express discomfort with the idea of cameras in libraries, citing concerns about the potential invasion of privacy and the lack of clear policies regarding data retention and usage.

In one example, a community college library installed a surveillance camera at the behest of campus police, citing concerns about school shootings. The camera was pointed at the only door in and out of the library, capturing the reference desk and self-checkout kiosk. While the library director claimed that the footage was not viewable in real time, it was later revealed to the reference librarian that the facilities director could indeed monitor the feed in real time and that the footage was being stored indefinitely on a massive new server in the police department. This discrepancy in information and the apparent lack of clear policies and communication about the camera's capabilities and data retention practices caused concern among library staff.

Frequently asked questions