2002FallQ5

Question #5
The recent acts of terrorism in the United States have resulted in the rapid passing of legislation (the Patriot Act), broadly expanding the powers given to law enforcement officials to monitor the communications of citizens in order to detect potential terrorist activity. This has increased the tension between the desire of government to protect the national security versus the civil liberties of individual citizens. Information professionals may be confronted with difficult decisions when requests are made for information about their patrons/clients (e.g., tracking Internet activities, research requests, other requested materials/services).

What are the issues involved for information professionals confronted with these decisions? As the manager of an information organization, how would you advise your staff? What steps would you take to determine appropriate policies and procedures for your organization?