Orwellian America: Government Transparency and Privacy
DC Public Library, District of Columbia
Innovation Synopsis
Using George Orwell’s book 1984 as a framework, the District of Columbia Public Library organized and led an extended community dialogue to explore personal privacy, government transparency, and Internet security. The series included sessions on Internet safety for teens and accessing government information online and a screening of the Frontline documentary United States of Secrets with producer Mike Wiser. The program wrapped up with a day-long readathon of Orwell’s, 1984.
Challenge/Opportunity
In a climate where feelings about online privacy range from apathy to confusion to fear, public libraries have a critical responsibility to teach digital literacy skills. DCPL took this responsibility a step further to promote community dialog about government transparency and personal privacy in the digital age. The series was carefully designed to be well-rounded, including sessions on internet safety for teens, accessing government information online, and a screening of the Frontline documentary United States of Secrets with producer Mike Wiser. DCPL is uniquely situated to leverage national partners such as the Sunlight Foundation, the Center for Responsive Politics, and the Federal Trade Commission. DCPL partnered with venues such as the Black Cat (nightclub) and the Newseum to take programming to new spaces and audiences.
Key Elements of Innovation
A guerrilla street art campaign and off-site events targeted key areas and demographics. The national privacy advocacy community was engaged through partnership with a local PR firm; this facilitated relationship building with new strategic partners for the library. Events were made available online in a variety of formats: live streamed discussion and readathon, podcasts, twitter discussion, libguide, and archived videos. Programs promoting the right to information were held in conjunction with partners new to the library. Public participation was encouraged through a readathon of Orwell’s 1984.
Achieved Outcomes
The library’s visibility was increased; news outlets beyond the Metro-DC area reported on the Orwellian America program. Attendees expressed their pride for the public library taking on such a timely, controversial topic, and their desire for more cutting edge library programs. Interest in the program was unanimous; attendees of all demographics, staff, non-profit, and government partners expressed the urgency to do similar programs in the future. Other libraries contacted DCPL asking for assistance in planning an Orwellian America series at their location. The series served as an introduction to the system and services for many first time users. Staff participation was near system-wide and staff were able to tailor individual programs to meet their branch’s needs.