[saquin]

I see nothing wrong with that policy as written. What other entities would you like to see release personal information without a "subpoena, search warrant, or other court order, or to a law enforcement officer who is investigating a matter involving public safety in exigent circumstances"?

It seems to me they followed the procedure in requesting a court order but then determined it was a matter of "public safety in exigent circumstances".

[plan2succeed.org]

You said, "I see nothing wrong with that policy as written."

I am happy (actually sad) to hear that. However, again, that is not the facts of this case. In this case, Steiner, the head librarian who used common sense and had the guts to override the policy despite potential ALA consequences, DID find something wrong with the policy. And she overruled portions of it by allowing for the release of info in life or deaths situations.

So arguing the policy is fine as it sands is irrelevant as the article states the policy was not fine and had to be adjusted on the fly by Steiner.