Madison Libraries Rebel Against Patriot Act
Mayor: 'The Patriot Act Is Unpatriotic'
Posted: 8:33 am CDT May 30, 2003Updated: 1:01 pm CDT May 30, 2003
MADISON, Wis. -- In Wisconsin, there is a state law declaring library records confidential -- that is unless you're an investigator armed with a judge's signature.
The director of Madison's public libraries fears the U.S. Patriot Act could have a stifling effect on what you feel comfortable reading.
News 3's Joel DeSpain reported the latest on a growing national backlash against the federal anti-terrorism law.Under the controversial Patriot Act, FBI agents can get a court order to see what books you check out -- and you would never even know it."I am only authorized to tell you that we are not authorized to tell you whether or not such a search has taken place," Madison library director Barb Dimick told News 3 when asked about the new procedures regarding the Patriot Act.Library patron Dan Sullivan told News 3 he thinks it's an invasion of privacy."I don't feel comfortable with others looking into what I'm choosing to read -- it's kind of a private matter," he said.
Dimick said Sullivan's response is what she usually hears."They feel immediately like someone, 'Big Brother,' is looking over your shoulder, and that's what librarians are concerned about," she said. "That, it's going to impinge on people's motivation to read and do things."Supporters of the Patriot Act argue a balance must be struck between liberty and security, arguing some 9-11 hijackers used library Internet terminals to communicate.Many communities, including Madison are rebelling against the Patriot Act."I think the Patriot Act is unpatriotic," said Madison Mayor Dave Ciezlewisz (pictured, left). "I think it attacks the very things that make America great."
In Palo Alto, Calif., librarians are shredding documents and deleting files to protect patrons.Here in Madison, people are studying what records the government can access. There are not many, News 3 reported.Any reference to who checked out what is eliminated as soon as books and videos are returned. Log-on information will soon be housed for just seven days instead of 30 -- and that's just for "to make sure if someone hacks in, we know who did it," Dimick said.In Palo Alto, librarians are destroying computer records within six days of any transaction. All paper records there, including inter-library loan requests, book reserve lists and sign-up lists for the library's public computers, are being shredded immediately after use."There's not much they can find," the Madison director said. "That's what I'm trying to say, but that doesn't make the law a good law."
The director of Madison's public libraries fears the U.S. Patriot Act could have a stifling effect on what you feel comfortable reading. | Video |
Watch News 3 ReportDimick said Sullivan's response is what she usually hears."They feel immediately like someone, 'Big Brother,' is looking over your shoulder, and that's what librarians are concerned about," she said. "That, it's going to impinge on people's motivation to read and do things."Supporters of the Patriot Act argue a balance must be struck between liberty and security, arguing some 9-11 hijackers used library Internet terminals to communicate.Many communities, including Madison are rebelling against the Patriot Act."I think the Patriot Act is unpatriotic," said Madison Mayor Dave Ciezlewisz (pictured, left). "I think it attacks the very things that make America great."In Palo Alto, Calif., librarians are shredding documents and deleting files to protect patrons.Here in Madison, people are studying what records the government can access. There are not many, News 3 reported.Any reference to who checked out what is eliminated as soon as books and videos are returned. Log-on information will soon be housed for just seven days instead of 30 -- and that's just for "to make sure if someone hacks in, we know who did it," Dimick said.In Palo Alto, librarians are destroying computer records within six days of any transaction. All paper records there, including inter-library loan requests, book reserve lists and sign-up lists for the library's public computers, are being shredded immediately after use."There's not much they can find," the Madison director said. "That's what I'm trying to say, but that doesn't make the law a good law." Copyright 2007 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
