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.
USA PATRIOT Act as Passed by Congress
Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (Oct.25,2001)
- Impact of The USA PATRIOT Act
- Analysis of the USA PATRIOT Act
- Legal Actions
- Other Links
- PATRIOT II
- Homeland Security Resources
The most comprehensive materials as directly related to libraries are likely the videotape and documents from Safeguarding Our Patrons' Privacy: What Every Librarian Needs to Know about the USA PATRIOT Act & Related Anti-Terrorism Measures, which was presented December 11, 2002 by the Special Libraries Association, American Association of Law Libraries, American Library Association, Association of Research Libraries, and Medical Library Association, and provides libraries and their governing institutions with an analysis of the implications of recent anti-terrorism legislation. Panelists address key legal issues and policy implications for libraries and the impact of legislative and regulatory proposals on the privacy of library users. A PDF file of the presentations materials can be obtained from:
Ordering information: Safeguarding Our Patrons' Privacy: What Every Librarian Needs to Know about the USA PATRIOT Act & Related Anti-Terrorism Measures Videotape (120 minutes) and manual (27 pp.) * December 2002 * $35 Shipping and Handling: US: UPS Ground, $10/publication; Canada: UPS Ground, $15/per publication; International and Rush Orders:
Call or e-mail for quote. ARL Publications Distribution Center
P.O. Box 531
Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0531
Phone: (301) 362-8196
Fax: (301) 206-9789
E-mail: pubs@arl.org
http://www.arl.org/pubscat/order/
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