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There was a break at 9:45 p.m. <br /> <br />The meeting reconvened at 9:50 p.m. <br /> <br />Item 6c <br />Library Commission Recommendation on the USA Patriot Act (as it applies to Librar2y. <br />operations) (SR 03:224) <br /> <br /> Julie Farnsworth introduced Joan Leighty, Chair of the Library Commission, who <br />presented the staff report. <br /> <br /> Mr. Campbell thanked the Commission for all its research efforts and thoughtfulness on <br />this issue. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hosterman felt that was very evident at the Library Commission meeting. It was <br />very moving. She also thanked the League of Women Voters for the forum it sponsored. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brozosky asked if it were tree that without the Patriot Act someone from the Federal <br />government could get a court order concerning a particular person and about a particular piece of <br />material? <br /> <br /> Mr. Roush said that information could be obtained by use of a subpoena. The difference <br />is without the Patriot Act, the threshold level of probable cause is higher. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brozosky said with the Patriot Act, it is still necessary to get a court order, but a <br />particular person, or particular records, do not have to be identified. <br /> <br /> Mr. Roush said that was correct. One of the consequences of the Patriot Act is that it <br />allows "fishing expeditions" since more general requests can be made. At this point, there have <br />not been any reported court decisions to identify what is and is not permitted under the Act. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brozosky asked for clarification of what can be done with regard to Internet access or <br />e-mail records. <br /> <br /> Mr. Roush said there are privacy issues regarding access to home computers, and he <br />believed library records have similar protections. <br /> <br /> Ms. Famsworth indicated the concerns expressed by citizens and library personnel have <br />not been e-mail or the protection of network traffic. It has been to protect library circulation <br />records, which are protected in 48 of the 50 states. The Patriot Act gives the Federal government <br />easier access. <br /> <br /> Mayor Pico asked if any Councilmember objected to the Library Commission <br />recommendations? <br /> <br />Pleasanton City Council 17 08/05/03 <br />Minutes <br /> <br /> <br />