Resolution In Support of
User Privacy and Freedom of
Information in Libraries
WHEREAS, the
professional ethic of librarianship is to facilitate the free flow of
information, to facilitate its distribution, and to protect the privacy
of those who seek information, and
WHEREAS, the
Legislature of the State of Nevada has specifically singled out library
use records in Nevada Revised Statute 239.013 to be exempt from inspection
and “disclosed only in response to an order issued by a court upon a
finding that the disclosure of such records is necessary to protect the
public safety or to prosecute a crime,” and
WHEREAS, the USA
PATRIOT Act, Homeland Security Act, and related regulations allow records
of library users to be under surveillance without their knowledge or
consent; and
WHEREAS, the new
federal laws and policies disproportionately affect individuals who rely
on public access to materials and computers in libraries;
THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Nevada Library Association opposes use of government
power to suppress the free and open exchange of ideas and information; and
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the Nevada Library Association encourages librarians and
library advocates to inform library staff, library users, and their
communities about the federal legislation and regulations that impinge on
user confidentiality and access to information; and
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the Nevada Library Association condemns legislation or
government action that threatens the constitutional rights and privacy
rights of library users; and
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the Nevada Library Association urges Congress to repeal
sections of the USA PATRIOT Act and Homeland Security Act which violate
fundamental rights and liberties guaranteed in the United States
Constitution, the Bill of Rights and laws of the state of Nevada; and
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the Nevada Library Association, while opposing terrorism,
affirms and upholds the efforts of librarians and library advocates to
defend and support free and open access to information and privacy of
library users; and
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution and the Library Bill of Rights be
sent to the Governor of Nevada, the Attorney General of Nevada, to Members
of both Houses of the Nevada Legislature, to Senators Reid and Ensign, and
to Congressmen Gibbons and Porter and Congresswoman Berkley, and to others
as appropriate.
Adopted by the
Nevada Library Association, at the annual general membership meeting on
November 8, 2003
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