Libraries and patron privacy

October

How much access should be allowed to what other people read, see and look at while in a public library? This is clearly not an easy question to answer even though it sounds simple.

If you think it is clear issue, just read the story and comments in today’s story about the Hendrick Hudson Free Library in Montrose.

State police say the library is not helping investigators look into into the possible viewing of child pornography by a patron.

Last month police seized a computer from this community library after receiving a complaint from a librarian that a patron may have been using it to view illegal material. The library has said its board members are reviewing the matter to determine how to proceed under its guidelines and state law.

Librarians have long contended that the public’s right to have access to materials should be maintained. This extends to patrons’ privacy in accessing information, whether it is personal medical information, business research or psychological questions. It is when the issue of pornography comes up that the issue becomes muddy.

There’s lots more to write about this and we’d welcome some insights and opinions. Comment here or e-mail me at bnackman@lohud.com

This entry was posted on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 9:10 am by Barbara Nackman.
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One Response to “Libraries and patron privacy”

Steve C. November 2nd, 2009 at 11:00 am
hmm well this will lead to a catch-22.

Libraries are supposed to be a haven for information. Yes child porn is offense and should not be tolerated. However, in preventing the viewing that may prevent a different search on the computer. Because no matter what one does to stop this, in stopping this type of material will stop other more useful material from being retrieved.

If we lose site of the freedom of information and literature a library is to afford. then we will be back to book burning and a world not unlike 1984/F-451 to name a few..

Maybe if websites didnt exist that contained such material it would be ok.

However, you will not have such sophistication in material access via a computer. It all depends on the person setting up the network. Trust me they don’t have the resources to maintain it.

This will be a very interesting debate..

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