I know a lot of the content on this site is critical of librarians, especially when it comes online issues. But I have to say almost all librarians have it right on when it comes to privacy.
Slashdot just posted an article titled Library Chief Criticized for Requiring Subpoena talking about a librarian who protected the privacy of library patrons, and who has received public criticism from the mayor and borough officials.
The North Jersey Media Group article Library chief draws cops’ ire has some great quotes from the director about the importance of privacy. From the article: Borough labor lawyer Ellen Horn felt that the library director, Michele Reutty, was more interested in “protecting the library” than helping police.
No, she was protecting the privacy of citizens who use the library. For that matter, protecting privacy in general. As she Horn states: “The main issue here is privacy of information, and all of this could have been handled by education.”
