why would the public library institution, a bastion of user privacy and digital rights, ever sell their patron user’s data?
Demographic, geographic data generated by libraries is valuable to a market, and practical to civic governance.
GaiaMundo is a 501(c)3 non-profit for this reason: selling data can be responsible when de-coupled from market pressure. Trust is paramount.
This revenue allows GaiaMundo to be free to its customers, subsidizing its host-library’s budget.
This revenue funds this project and the dedicated people and valuable resources required to maintain it.
Ethical rules regarding which data is distributed, and to whom.
Radical transparency regarding which data is given, and to whom.
What about about censorship?
The answer to free speech is more free speech.
It takes reason, empathy and imagination that comes from reading books to inspire the respect for honest, civil, debate.
A public library is the public square. Twitter is a private social media enterprise.
…and ESL, SEL, STEAM, LGBTQIA+, LSJI?
First off, we don’t use acronyms, period. They obstruct communication.
English as a Second Language (ESL), social-emotional learning (SEL), sci/tech/eng/arts/math (STEAM), lesbian/gay/bi/trans/queer (LGBTQ), and Library Services to the Justice Involved (LSJI) aka incarcerated, are all respected.
Further perspective on a public-benefit business model
Furthermore, accessible, practical data has been elusive for our bureaucratic institutions. When empowered with data, our government’s institutions have a chance to be responsive, open, reliable, and dependable.
This business model may disrupt bureaucratic tech. That user’s data is valuable enough to finance upstart tech disruptions to the general business functions and processes of mundane government bureaucracies.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.