UO Libraries Dean Adriene Lim says archivists and librarians must balance transparency and the right to privacy when it processes records from across the university.

In a statement posted on the libraries website, Lim outlines her view of the responsibilities of the UO Libraries in records management and responds to the recent records release incident involving files from the Office of the President. She said the release had more to do with records management than with the library’s role in archives.

“I believe in openness and transparency as many in the university community do,” Lim writes. “However, as professional archivists and records managers, we must balance openness and transparency with an equally valid commitment to protect individuals’ privacy and confidentiality, not to mention the many complexities that arise from legal considerations. At all times, we must not lose sight of our professional, ethical responsibilities to be good stewards of these records and to treat their contents with the proper care in order to protect the privacy of individuals who interact with the university.”

For the entire message, see “Open Letter to the UO Community” on the libraries website.