So…do public libraries have the Anarchist’s Cookbook? If so, do we get profiled? :p

Great question. Years ago, I worked at Waldenbooks, who refused to take orders for the Anarchist’s Cookbook, and at a public library where I ILL’d it a couple of times a year. Go figure.

…a philosophical one… If you saw a teenager looking at school shootings online and happened to see a printed page that he left on the printer of his online diary saying he plans to shoot people on a certain day, would you call someone or ignore it based on protecting his privacy? I have asked myself this question and find it hard to answer. Perhaps others would have a solid take on this. Thanks!

If you are in an academic institution, then under mandatory reporting statues, you HAVE to report it. But why? Simply put, you have a hard printout of his personal diary – and that material is not covered under any law, not even the Constitution; you are not even allowed to publish threats or abuse against others, either libelous or slanderous.

However, if this student is just using the computer to do research on school shootings, we may not report his activiy under the code of ethics as perscribed to our profession. If the student is checking out books on the subject of school shootings, we librarians may not even ask Why this student is checking them out, even if we were academic librarians.

In short, we may not act until people do something specific that shows they wish to do something that may do real harm to themselves or others – and checking out a libary book or even many library books on the subject or a multitude of subjects does not constitute such proof, especially since we are under oath, contrat and understanding with our patrons that their library records are completely confidential.

With the number of people looking for librarian jobs, there is not one good reason to hold one single librarian who is unable to ethically do their job as described by the professional guidelines as perscribed by the ALA. Ms. Nosy, Ms. Queasy, Ms. Busybody, we have no place for you!

TheCompleatLibrarian commented: Until he is 18 he has no rights. Wait…until he is 18, he can do whatever he wants to. No..No…it is the the Librarian’s fault. No, that’s not right….it is the ambiguous use of language in the laws that have no solid precedent and no true enforcement. Librarians need to quit acting like they are the Lords of their own fiefdoms and actually comply with the laws of the community they are a part of.

Regardless of HIS age, the LIBRARIAN’S age IS old enough to hold her accountable for breaking the law! Furthermore, it is NOT illegal to research concealed weaponry at any age.

There are further a number of communities that need to learn to understand that a number of regional and federal laws apply to them too, even if they don’t believe in those values Locally…

Where IS the ALA on this one???

Wow….if the “No,No” and the “Wait,Wait” did not indicate sarcasm, then you need more exposure to skylarking. Good grief.

I say the librarian should be fired. Congrats tot he police and anyone else who managed to keep it professional and not overreact.

Regarding the very specific scenario described above – yes, I would let someone know although I am not sure that I would identify the patron. Although, even doctors can legally breach confidentiality when they have information that someone’s actions may harm others or themself. I really don’t think that librarians need to be held to a higher standard than doctors do.

If you saw a teenager looking at school shootings online and happened to see a printed page that he left on the printer of his online diary saying he plans to shoot people on a certain day, would you call someone or ignore it based on protecting his privacy? I have asked myself this question and find it hard to answer. Perhaps others would have a solid take on this. Thanks!