American Association of Law Libraries
American Library Association
Association of Research Libraries
Medical Library Association
Special Libraries Association
The "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act" (USA PATRIOT Act) was designed to broaden the surveillance capabilities of law enforcement following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Act contains new provisions governing criminal and foreign intelligence investigations and in so doing, affects state and local privacy laws. Since its passage on October 26, 2001, many libraries have seen an increase in law enforcement inquiries. Authorities have sought access to patron records, including electronic mail and other electronic communications.
On May 30, 2002, the Attorney General issued Guidelines that expand the FBI's investigative powers. On July 16, President Bush announced a "National Strategy for Homeland Security." All of these measures have profound implications for libraries and their patrons' privacy.
What do the PATRIOT Act, the revised FBI Guidelines, and other Homeland Security measures mean for all types of librarians and library patrons?
How should librarians respond to requests from law enforcement for patron information?
What policies and procedures should be implemented at libraries?
What tools or resources are available to help librarians understand the changing landscape and respond with confidence to law enforcement requests?
This teleconference will provide libraries and their governing institutions with an analysis of the implications of the recent anti-terrorism measures. This will include identifying steps that institutions need to take to comply with proper search warrants, subpoenas, and wiretap requests from law enforcement. Panelists will address the key legal issues and policy implications for libraries and address the impact of any legislative and regulatory proposals on the privacy and First Amendment rights of library users.
As cultural and living symbols of the freedoms that Americans cherish, libraries will continue to strive for a balance between access to information for all, the privacy rights of our users, and the responsibility to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
Tracy Mitrano Policy Advisor, Director of Computer Law and Policy Office of the Vice President for Information Technology Cornell University
James Neal Vice President and University Librarian Columbia University Libraries
Gary Strong Director, Queens Borough Public Library
Thomas M. Susman Partner, Ropes & Gray Washington, D.C.
Pre-broadcast Activities at Remote Sites
Basics of the USA PATRIOT Act, the FBI Guidelines, and Homeland Security Legislation
Thomas M. Susman, Partner, Ropes & Gray, Washington, D.C.
Implications for Libraries
James Neal, Vice President and University Librarian, Columbia University Libraries
Gary Strong, Director, Queens Borough Public Library
Question and Answer Segment
Institutional and Library Policies
Tracy Mitrano, Policy Advisor, Director of Computer Law and Policy, Office of the Vice President for Information Technology, Cornell University
James Neal
Gary Strong
How Libraries Should Respond
Tracy Mitrano
James Neal
Gary Strong
Thomas Susman
Question and Answer Segment
Issues and Concerns
Constitutional Issues – Tracy Mitrano
Library Values – James Neal and Gary Strong
Legislative Realities – Thomas Susman
Question and Answer Segment
Conclusion
Post-broadcast Activities at Remote Sites