Librarians set aside 'shhh' to speak out for privacy

[Baltimoreboy]

Patriot Act: Government access to data on library users criticized by the normally quiet types.

By Gail Gibson
Sun National Staff
Originally published June 24, 2004

SKOKIE, Ill. - Strolling through the public library where she has served as director for almost two decades, Carolyn A. Anthony hardly looks the part of firebrand activist. The former president of the local Rotary Club, now a member of the Chamber of Commerce, is focused on things that matter to libraries, issues such as digitizing microfilm or adding a coffee bar to better compete with the Barnes & Nobles of the world.

Few things in the past two years, however, have mattered to libraries quite like the Patriot Act, the counterterrorism legislation passed soon after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Every few minutes on a tour of the library building here, Anthony points out another laminated sign that delivers to patrons this blunt notice:

"The Skokie Public Library makes every effort to guard your privacy in use of library materials and computers. However, due to the terms of the USA Patriot Act (Public Law 107-56), federal officials may require the library to provide information about your use of library resources without informing you that we have done so. The USA Patriot Act was initiated by Attorney General John Ashcroft."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.library24jun24,0,3748518.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

I thought you might like this show of librarians with guts.

[Baltimoreboy]

1. Self kick

[skooooo]

2. kick

The Library profession is undoubtedly one of the most liberal in America....