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“Metadata have been used in various forms as a means of cataloging archived information. The Dewey Decimal System employed by libraries for the classification of library materials is an early example of metadata usage. Library catalogues used 3x5 inch cards to display a book's title, author, subject matter, and a brief plot synopsis along with an abbreviatedalpha-numeric identification system which indicated the physical location of the book within the library's shelves. Such data help classify, aggregate, identify, and locate a particular book. Another form of older metadata collection is the use by US Census Bureau of what is known as the "Long Form." The Long Form asks questions that are used to create demographic data to find patterns of distribution.[7]”
“She refused to cooperate with the bureau's "library awareness" program and her defiance helped spark a nationwide backlash against government snooping into Americans' reading habits. Even knowing the government might be watching, people realized, could change what you choose to read—and in turn alter what you think. As a result of similar incidents that occurred over the years, 48 states now have laws on the books protecting library records”
butcherguy
reply to post by benrl
Thank you for posting this. I had never heard of it before.
Today the librarian would be classified as a traitor by our government, I suppose.
InverseLookingGlass
reply to post by benrl
I believe sometime in the next 10 years or so, one or more corporations, which have been granted rights as citizens, will argue and win in the SCOTUS, that individual citizens do not inherently "own" the rights to their own privacy if they choose to be on-line and/or leave their residence.
The premise is that the medium of data exchange is pervasive and since citizens know this and don't do anything, they have given up privacy rights by adverse possession. I believe the government/corporate complex will not settle for less.
WhiteAlice
reply to post by benrl
Thanks for posting this, benri. When the whole metadata thing came up, it reminded me of this library story but I couldn't for the life of me remember the time period that it took place in. I mistakenly thought it was the 60's and 70's because my mother has very strong opinions about libraries in terms of both privacy and censorship (she's also on a library board so she's acting on her convictions). Anyways, thanks--it's been driving me nuts.
It is the same story all over again. I think that part of the reason why people are perhaps more silent about speaking out about it is because, well, it's covering so much that there isn't a single one of us that doesn't have a file now really. It's like all the other past instances of surveillance abuses times a few million and yep, it dampens speech in a major way.
HomerinNC
Dont mater to me, and it wouldnt have back then either. I still would have borrowed my UFO books, archaeology books and my fictions
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.[1]
schuyler
Plus, accessing a patron record without a bona fide business reason for doing so subjects the employee to termination, and yes, I've seen that happen.