Right versus right: Should public librarian turn police informant?

“It was almost closing time when Karen received the telephone call at her reference desk in the community library. A young man was looking for information on state laws concerning rape.”

“Because it would take her some time to identify references, she took the name and phone number of the caller with a promise to call him back with the information in a half hour.”

“As she replaced the phone in its cradle, a gentleman approached her displaying a badge and disclosing that he was a detective with local law enforcement. He could not help overhearing Karen’s conversation and stated that he needed her cooperation. He has been investigating a series of rapes in the area, and the young man on the phone may very well be a suspect.”

“The detective insisted that Karen give him the caller’s name and phone number.” (from The Saratogian)