LISNews: Librarian News

Kathleen writes "This is it. We have our hero....Thank you.
I hope all will be revealed soon, but we know who you are and we thank you with ALL our hearts.

"A copy of the ACLU lawsuit said the library involved "strictly guards the confidentiality and privacy of its library and internet records, and believes it should not be forced to disclose such records without a showing of compelling need and approval by a judge."

Using its expanded power under the antiterrorism law known as the USA Patriot Act, the F.B.I. is demanding library records (NYT login/pw): lisusethis/lisnews) from a Connecticut institution as part of an intelligence investigation, the American Civil Liberties Union said Thursday. This LISNews story has additional background."

stevenj writes "That's the title of an article in the latest issue of Rolling Stone that should be of interest to librarians. It provides an in depth look into Rep. Bernie Sanders efforts to introduce an amendment to the bill to reauthorize the Patriot Act in order to rollback the nefarious Section 215. The story tells how Sanders and his team are frustrated by opposition foes along the legislative path. Sanders pretty much sums up the way our Congress works when he is quoted saying "Nobody knows how this place is run. If they did, they'd go nuts."

Commentary from a fellow who is mightily confused about the status of the USA PATRIOT Act, particularly section 215 that pertains to libraries and bookstores.

Then, while browsing the liberal blogosphere a few days back, I read that no, there would not actually be a celebration, but a dirge . . . Section 215 is to be extended for 10 years. To say my tutu hung limp would be a gross understatement.

The rest from Eric Wennermark at PopMatters

The Reader's Shop writes On Friday, the U.S. Senate passed a bill to reauthorize the USA Patriot Act. The House passed it's version earlier this month. The Senate bill would require the federal government to report how the provisions are used to view library and medical records. The ability to go to a secret court for permission to seize records from libraries and bookstores will renew for 4 years under the Senate bill. The house bill has a 10 year sunset for this provision.

The Senate and House bills must be reconciled before a final measure can be sent to Bush. Congressional officials said they were confident that they could work out a compromise.

More on the story can be found here