Anti-terror Legislation and Public Libraries

In the aftermath of the terror attacks on September11, 2001, several countries adopted anti-terrorlegislation as part of a global War on Terror. The USset the stage with its Patriot Act, and Denmark,amongst others, followed suit with its Anti-terrorPackage. This book examines how these laws affectlibraries. What are librarians' concerns? Does thelegislation infringe upon library patrons' right toprivacy? Does it restrict freedom of expression andaccess to information? Are the core values of publiclibraries sacrificed? Why do American librariansvoice strong opposition, while Danish librarians aresilent? This book provides insight into these issues,and is based on research performed by an Americanlibrarian living in Scandinavia. The anti-terrorlegislation is presented and various theories ofprofessional ethics are discussed. Results from thetwo countries are compared and possible explanationsanalyzed. The book is not only fascinating readingfor politicians, civil liberties activists, socialscientists, information professionals and librariansaround the world, but also for library users, whoseloans and activities can be subject to surveillance.