American Library Association warns members it is "concerned" about Trump administration
A library card gives anyone the chance to read about topics that interests them without judgement. Now many librarians are worried the Trump administration will try to access library data as part of national security efforts.
Edward Rossman from Aurora says losing library privacy is a slippery slope. Most materials are harmless - but what happens when the government wants to see who has been reading more controversial books?
"I think it is better to be on the safe side," said Rossman. "There are or should be havens for privacy and libraries are one of them."
In a statement to members, the president of the American Library Association said she is concerned how core values of free access, intellectual freedom and privacy will fit with the president elect Donald Trump's administration.
"It is clear many of those values are at odds with messaging or positions taken by the incoming administration," said Julie Todaro.
In New York , libraries are covered under state education law. Lisa Carr from the Seymour Library in Auburn says the library will only release records under a court order.
"What you read and what you view. So if you are looking at something on a computer - that is protected under the confidentially law," said Carr.
Carr does plan to talk with the library's board about the American Library Associations concerns and to see if they needs to do even more to protect the privacy of users.
"What happens when you are downloading digital content like e-books or e-audio books?Or streaming movies through hoopla?" asked Carr.
The New York City Public Library system recently said it will intentionally be keeping less data on users so if anyone tries to get access to it - it will not exist.
