Ridiculous!

[draconis]

Clearly some people can't be bothere to look at how the laws are written, such as these people in Bergen County, NJ. A librarian there is now under threat of disciplinary action for following the NJ state statutes governing access of private information. The police wanted some information, she said she'd provide it as soon as they showed her the proper legal documentation, and now she's being accused of "deliberately stonewalling a police investigation."

Sheesh!

Comments

[alysswolf.livejournal.com]

The librarian was following state law to the letter. The police were trying to do an end run around the law. Makes you wonder what else goes on in that township.

The librarian followed the rule of law and our professional code of ethics. Laws exist to protect all of us from data-mining and unreasonable search adn seizures, even when insisting on those laws might require that the police actually obtain a warrant.

FYI (from the ALA site listing privacy laws and concerns http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/iftoolkits/toolkitsprivacy/privacypolicy/privacypolicy.htm

NEW JERSEY STATUTES
TITLE 18A. EDUCATION
SUBTITLE 13. STATE LIBRARY, ARCHIVES AND HISTORY; STATE MUSEUM;
COUNCIL ON THE ARTS
CHAPTER 73. STATE LIBRARY, ARCHIVES AND HISTORY; STATE MUSEUM
ARTICLE 3. STATE LIBRARY, ARCHIVES AND HISTORY
N.J. Stat. § 18A:73-43.2

§ 18A:73-43.2. Confidentiality; exceptions

Library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of libraries are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the following circumstances:
a. The records are necessary for the proper operation of the library;
b. Disclosure is requested by the user; or
c. Disclosure is required pursuant to a subpoena issued by a court or court order.
02/03
====================
The third rule in the Professional Code of Ethics for librarians is as follows:
III. We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.