Parsing privacy for archivists
Parsing privacy for archivists

Summary/Abstract: Protection of privacy is a key issue in determining the extent to which archival materials are to be made accessible to the public. But what isinformational privacy; i.e., what are the elements of information foundin any type of document or database that must be withheld to avoidintruding on the privacy of an individual? This essay first examines post-World War II international statements that reference privacy. Then it turnsto statements referring to privacy issued by the International Council onArchives (ICA), the worldwide professional organization that represents thearchival profession to UNESCO. Third is a brief look at several 21st centuryacademic considerations of privacy, one each by a lawyer, a philosopher,and an historian. Finally, it outlines some of the contextual elements that help archivists manage sensitive materials, even without a final definition of informational privacy.

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