Alex Alben to debut library technology series

Alex Alben will be the first speaker in a series of technology programs at Whitman County Library branches.

Alben’s program, “Privacy and Personality in the Digital Age,” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 3 p.m. in the Norma McGregor Room at the Colfax library. He also will be at the Albion library the same day at 6 p.m. St. John library will host Alben on Thursday, Feb. 19, at noon, and then he will be at the Tekoa library at 6 p.m. on Feb. 19.

Alben will talk about the concepts of personal privacy, digital tracking, the concept of “celebrity” and what each of us are willing to give up to preserve privacy in the online environment.

“My presentation will explore how our personal privacy is under siege and how we came to this place in history,” Alben wrote in an email.

“For example, I delve into whether there is a ‘privacy right’ under American law. I also talk about the NSA and government spying on the American public regarding the metadata in our phone conversations and email and question whether we have struck the right balance in the national security vs. privacy debate.

“These talks are very interactive and I hope to hear the opinions and feelings of the people in the audience regarding these important issues.”

Alben has played a leadership role in the field of digital media and has shared his expertise in both teaching and journalism. He helped launch ESPN.com and ABCNews.com and served for six years in senior management at RealNetworks.

This program is made possible by the “Technology Made Easy” grant funding provided to the Washington State Library by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

A variety of workshops are scheduled every week from Feb. 18 to May 10 with subjects from building a business presence to editing digital pictures.

For a complete list of classes and events, contact the main branch of the library or visit the events calendar at http://www.whitco.lib.wa.us.