Easier access to Omaha library patrons’ info unconstitutional, ACLU tells board

[Omaha Steve]

To the ACLU...

http://www.omaha.com/news/metro/easier-access-to-omaha-library-patrons-info-unconstitutional-aclu-tells/article_16916758-0d12-5b64-b7a0-9e37a74e51d1.html

POSTED: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2014 1:00 AM
By Roseann Moring / World-Herald staff writer

A proposal to give law enforcement easier access to library patrons’ information is unconstitutional, the American Civil Liberties Union contended Wednesday.

The ACLU of Nebraska weighed in a week before the Omaha Public Library Board is scheduled to vote on such a proposal, requested by the Mayor’s Office.

Currently, a law enforcement officer must obtain a warrant or a subpoena to access personal information from an Omaha library card.

Marty Bilek, Mayor Jean Stothert’s chief of staff, asked the Library Board last month to change that policy.

FULL story at link.

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Mayor's Office proposes letting police check out library patron information

[JimDandy]

1. This may be of concern to all US citizens due to inter-library loaning.

Sometimes my inter-library loaned books come from out of state libraries. Not sure if the loaning library is provided with my personal info, in case recovery efforts are needed. If so. this rule change will affect the rights of all US citizens.

His connections to law enforcement:

"Marty Bilek, Mayor Jean Stothert’s chief of staff, asked the Library Board last month to change that policy.

Bilek, former chief deputy for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, wants board members to allow library staffers to give out patrons’ names, addresses and phone numbers to law enforcement officers in emergencies."