the records. There is no requirement or really, any need to keep records of who checked out what specific books. If you want to record how many times a book was checked out for stocking issues so be it, but if you don't have the info, the FBI can't really do anything about it can they. I can't count how many times this kind of issue has come back and haunted companies or institutions, if you have data, it can be subpoenaed. I do volunteer work for local libraries and we altered the system to only retain the name/library card # of the person who has the book, until it is checked back in, then we blank those fields and record the fact that it was checked out, and returned and was in use for the specific dates. This ensure they know which books are getting used for ordering purposes while removing the onus from the librarians. The local city attorney agreed with the policy change, I am not sure if the county was consulted. Given the nature of the backups and technology, I am sure the FBI could recover what they need, but they must do the work, not the librarians.
I stated this on a post that is newer, but I'll say it here. Most ciculation datatbases out there (horizon, etc) do not record items that have previously been checked out by a patron. Once the item is returned, it is permenantly erased from the patron's record. The only exceptions being if the item was turned in late or damaged. This prevents anyone from monitoring a patron's past reading habits. The item maintains the number of times it circulates and that is all.
Given that we both agree on this, what does the FBI actually hope to gain by this ? It seems like a foolishly annoying instance for no real gain. All they end up doing is making bad publicity...
The wages of sin are high but you get your money's worth.
Just DON'T keep (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Just DON'T keep (Score:1)
Re:Just DON'T keep (Score:2)