Introduction
We are frequently asked what the difference is between a Public and Private Profile. We give the choice to be Public or Private, so this article's aim is to provide users with the information they need to make an informed choice.
The Facts
No matter whether your profile is Public or Private, if you are assigned to lists as a list owner your name is a searchable field within the reading list search feature. This is useful to students as it helps them identify they are viewing the correct list. Administrators can see both Public and Private profiles.
Public
Technically Public Profiles could be found on the web, but finding it would be extremely difficult. This has been tested - the profile doesn't show highly on a search engine results, and in fact we couldn't find an example with extensive searching.
If students or other users click on the name of the list owner they will be taken through to see the list owner's profiles.
Private
If a profile is set to Private, students (whether signed in or not) cannot see the name of the list owner at all on the list view. Other academics that have signed in can see the name but can't click through to view the list owner's profile.