The SeamlessAccess audit toolkit: A framework for librarians to audit resource access

• Published in: Information services & use Vol. 44; no. 4; pp. 309 - 315
• Main Authors: Felts, John W, Griffey, Jason, Lloyd, Tim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.11.2024
• Subjects: usability; user experience; user privacy; Federated access; SeamlessAccess
• DOI: 10.1177/18758789241298843
• ISSN: 0167-5265

To help navigate the complex issues that occur as a result of changing technology, regulations, and user expectations, SeamlessAccess is producing a toolkit that gives librarians a framework for auditing their resource access. Structured into four key areas—Usability, Privacy, Reliability, and Security—the toolkit enables libraries to identify the risks and opportunities that inform decision making and advocate for future investment. This paper explores usability and privacy and features feedback from a librarian about how the toolkit helped identify and address access-related issues, assess potential ethical or legal exposure, and identify best practices and recommended next steps for moving forward. It also explores how this toolkit can serve as a communications tool to enable librarians to improve knowledge and awareness within their teams as well as with key stakeholders outside the library.