Anonymous Patron writes “The Saginaw News follows up on the University graduate student who tried to obtain information about book borrowers. The mailings were to support his research on an academic thesis at MSU that “explores the difference between private and public property rights,” he said.
He would not say why he sent the letters on a law firm’s letterhead. He said none of the libraries he contacted released information about patrons.
“I don’t know why this got so blown out of proportion.” Marker said. “The information I asked for is readily available in any telephone book or any directory.”
Marker said he’s done sending letters.
“It’s ended. I won’t be challenging (the libraries’ refusal to submit information),” he said. “I won’t be appealing any of this in court.””
Some library should countersue
I mean really. This jerk used a law office’s letterhead, threatened a $500 fine (check me if I’m wrong but that’s not part of “a simple FOI request”), and requested e-mail addresses (how is that “readily available in any telephone book”).
Research gone awry
This came up at an ALA Council Forum meeting–I think perhaps brought up by the Michigan chapter councilor. There was a mixed reaction of alarm, confusion and speculation. I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Maybe it’s a performance piece.
Interesting
As a secondary event it was quite interesting to see the effect the letters had. One would be hard pressed to design a better study of the libraries’ procedures for protecting patron privacy.
What if someone who handled the correspondence simply created a CDRom, or printed out the names and addresses of cardholders and mailed them to Mr. Marker. What a brouhaha that would have been.
I think it is a credit to the libraries that they handled it in the manner in which they did. It is unfortunate that this misguided student screwed himself out of his job by appropriating firm stationery but it was a wonderful study, even if it was not intended as such.
Re:Interesting
According to the article, the student did not lose his job:
Web sites mention Marker and his letters, some calling him a “former” law clerk at the Okemos firm. However, Marker said he still works there, and a secretary at the firm confirmed his employment Thursday.
Re:Interesting
I have an email from Amy Lee, the journalist author of the article that was linked to from LISNews. The email dated 8 Aug 2004 notes that Ms. Lee spoke with Mr. Marker and Marker stated he no longer works for Flory and that his employment status is not related to the FOI request.
I’m not comfortable pasting the entire thing here, but if anyone really wants to see it I shall send a non-forwardable copy to you by email.
I am relying on Ms. Lee’s information. However it is not really important, what is important is that none of the libraries responded with patron information ! Yea Librarians !
Re:Interesting
I didn’t realize that. I stand corrected.
I second your “Yea Librarians!”
August 8?
Do you mean July 8? Or have I suddenly lost a month? Damn those alien abudctors!