Friday, August 02, 2002
Great Pat Holt column today talking about the Patriot Act and what it can mean for booksellers and librarians. It's strange to realize we're in a profession that might require us to stand up to our government. (I'll post the link when it's up at the holtuncensored.com site)
Last week one of my managers said we'd have to turn over customer records if current legislation passes and stands up in court. After the Tattered Cover decision, I thought every bookstore would make it a policy they won't turn over ANY customer records until lawyers are present. Maybe we bookstores should start working with city governments now, to make sure everyone understands what will happen if a Tattered Cover situation were to happen. It certainly would be better to have this discussion before booksellers have to face search warrants and determined police.
In an ideal world, bookstores would send a letter to their city government and police force alerting them that no customer records will be turned over unless the case has passed through all the legal channels. Then the bookstore can post a sign in their store assuring customers that privacy will be maintained, even if it means protecting civil rights through the court system.
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Last week one of my managers said we'd have to turn over customer records if current legislation passes and stands up in court. After the Tattered Cover decision, I thought every bookstore would make it a policy they won't turn over ANY customer records until lawyers are present. Maybe we bookstores should start working with city governments now, to make sure everyone understands what will happen if a Tattered Cover situation were to happen. It certainly would be better to have this discussion before booksellers have to face search warrants and determined police.
In an ideal world, bookstores would send a letter to their city government and police force alerting them that no customer records will be turned over unless the case has passed through all the legal channels. Then the bookstore can post a sign in their store assuring customers that privacy will be maintained, even if it means protecting civil rights through the court system.
