What do you do if

•     one of your patrons uses a library computer to access sexually explicit images?
•     the images are seen by a 10 year old whose mother insists that all computers be filtered?
•     the images are seen by a staff worker who threatens a hostile work environment lawsuit?
•     the images are seen by a policeman who wants to examine the hard drive to find out who was looking at the site?

•     the police demand information about what one of your patrons has checked out?
•     the police demand information about what sites one of your patrons visits?
•     the police ask for information to help them discover who is downloading music from  file-swapping sites?

Let’s face it – there probably isn’t going to be one perfect answer.  The important thing to remember is that no answer will suffice if it doesn’t take into account the complexity of the issue and the different opinions that people hold.

Your assignment in this phase of the WebQuest is to adopt one of the Points of View described below and to learn all you can about what someone with that point of view is going to think about the question of privacy in libraries.  It’s not necessary to agree with the role you’re researching – it is necessary, however, to understand it and to represent it clearly and without bias to others in your group.  This is crucial if your group is going to develop a well-informed recommendation for your director.

Discuss it in your group, and divide yourselves into four teams.  Each POV has a “personalized” set of instructions to follow, so when you’re ready, click on the picture that represents the one you’ve chosen and continue to follow the process.  Remember, if you have questions about how you’re doing, refer to the Evaluation!

Ready . . . set . . . go for it!
 
 

The Mom	Legal Eagle
Just Folks	The Cop