Other Reasons For Privacy

Most of the articles and news stories I have encountered about libraries and privacy have centered around "big issues" such as terrorism and crime prevention, especially related to the Patriot Act. But I think that it should be remembered that laws are not always used in the way their supporters intended. Is it possible that library records could be used against animal rights groups or other citizen activists who are not in favor with whichever administration is in power? 

I also wonder if there could be instances in which a couple divorcing could use library records against each other to gain an advantage is obtaining custody of minor children. Before you laugh, remember that in North Carolina and Virginia sodomy laws were used against people in divorce cases and in Texas, Florida and Georgia to deny jobs to gay applicants. 

Librarians have an obligation to protect privacy because the ethics of their profession demand it, regardless of circumstances. Lawful subpoenas should be handled by administrators and legal advisors with an eye towards protecting privacy to the greatest extent possible. Precedents can be very dangerous.