In this phase of the WebQuest, it's time for you to share your points of view.  But wait!  Instead of everyone talking at once (which always means that nobody is listening), let's take a more organized approach.  We'll have a couple of dialogues instead of four simultaneous monologues.

It's time for the Cops to explain to the Folks just what they're doing and why.  While they're explaining themselves, the Folks should listen carefully, ask for clarification, and take notes!  This isn't the Folks' point of view, but it's still a point of view, and as such it needs to be heard and understood.

After the Cops tell their true crime stories and show off their badges, the Folks will have a turn.  They'll want to explain the risks of being online as a consumer of information (library) services.  Is there something the Cops are doing that makes the Folks feel more vulnerable?  Why?  While they are presenting their point of view, the Cops will listen, ask pertinent questions, and take notes!  Remember, the police are our friends, and we're Just Folks.

While the Cops are getting acquainted with the Folks, Mom is going to try to convince the Legal Eagle that Filters "R" Us.  Again, the Legal Eagles probably won't subscribe wholeheartedly to Mom's point of view, but they should hear her out.  After all, most of us have had a Mom, and we know she's got stuff to say!  The Eagles will bring their legal pads, take plenty of notes, and ask really informed questions -- politely, please.

After Mom has made her case, the Legal Eagles have their say.  Without attacking Mom or her point of view, they will explain (probably at great length) what the Constitution has to say about all kinds of issues related to privacy, filters, and apple pie.  Mom will do what Moms do best -- listen carefully, try to see the Eagles' point of view, and make a list of what's important.

Television tells us that the lawyers and the cops are all on the same side -- that it's just one big (long) happy process.  Is that really the case?  After meeting with Mom, the Legal Eagles will get together with the Cops and see where the lines are drawn.  Are their points of view really the same?  First, the Cops will explain what they do, how they do it, and why it's being done.  Cool gadgets are okay, if they want to do a little show and tell.  The Eagles will turn to a clean sheet on their legal pads, sharpen their pencils, and learn something!

After the Cops have had their day, it's time for the Legal Eagles to talk about the view from their tower.  How does the Constitution affect the day-to-day operations of the Cops?  Are the Cops running amok, or are they carrying out the will of the founding fathers, who would surely be baffled by some of the questions raised by their famous document.  The Cops will take notes (no concealed recording devices, please) and ask questions that show they've been listening.

This pairing might seem pretty odd.  After all, who could be more "just folks" than Mom?  Who are these Folks, and where do they think they are?  How is it that Mom isn't one of them?  That's a good question.  Maybe she is.  Maybe the Folks and Mom have a lot of common ground in this discussion.  We'll have to find out.  The Folks can explain what they've found out about online privacy issues, and Mom can add it to her store of information on filters.  Questions are good, and remember, there's no guarantee that Mom and the Folks will see eye to eye.  How many families do you know that think alike about everything?

After the Folks have their say, Mom gets the last word.  Since we're all grown-ups, it's not a case of her way or the highway, but the Folks will listen carefully, ask good questions, and remember (or write down) what they've learned.
Once again, they don't have to agree with the point of view, but they do need to understand it.  Otherwise, no dessert.

Now . . .

We really can't put this off any longer.  It's time to put together a final product.  How will your group formulate its recommendation?  Will it be a hodge-podge of contributions from four different points of view, or will you be able to synthesize your findings and opinions into a consistent, coherent document?  Remember, you are not bound by the points of view you represented -- those were a means to an end.  Hopefully the research you've done, and the discussions you've had with those representing other points of view, will bring you to an understanding of privacy as a library concern and some ideas about how to address it.

Remember, there probably isn't a single right answer to such a complicated question.  Librarians, legal scholars, consumer groups, law enforcement professionals, government officials, and just plain folks will continue to discuss issues of privacy long after you've completed your recommendation, but that shouldn't stop you from taking this seriously.  Policy is always a work in progress, and it's important to your library and your patrons to have something in place that represents your best thinking as of now.  It's not carved in stone, or cast in bronze.  It will change.

This is a good time to seek feedback from real librarians.  Do you know any?  If so, call them and ask them to review your recommendation.  If you don't know any, get yourself to your nearest library and introduce yourself.  Networking is where it's at in library work, and it's never too soon to start.  Most librarians are happy to welcome newbies to the field and flattered to be asked their opinions about things.

Oh yeah.  Mom says be sure and send a thank-you note!