Hi all-
I was wondering if the library community was aware that Ken Starr has
subpoenaed from a local DC bookstore, Kramerbooks & Afterwords, a list
of books purchased by Monica Lewinsky. This bookstore rolled over
immediately and gave the Prosecutor's office the list.
This is a huge governmental attack on the right of privacy, the right to
read what you want to read without fear of big brother looking over your
shoulder. It is a right that both AALL and ALA have worked fervently in
the past to protect.
Where are our organizations now? The silence is deafening.
It seems to me that no matter how you feel about the ongoing
investigation, this is a line that librarians should protest being
crossed.
Am I out on a limb alone here? It just seems like something that ought
to be discussed some.
For those of you in the DC area, there will be a "Rally for the Right to
Read" demonstration tomorrow at noon in front of Kramerbooks. This
rally has been organized by Sharon Kissel and more information on
meeting times and places was posted to the LLSDC listserv.
Sincerely,
Brian-
-- Brian L. Baker Director of the Law Library & Assistant Professor of Law UDC School of Law V: 202-274-7354 F: 202-274-7311 I: bbaker@udc.edu
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