Here's an example of another way the ALA pushes its agenda nationally. In this case, the
Vermont Library Association decided to use ALA policy to create legislation requiring parents to get a court order to see their own children's library records starting at age 13. That legislation has been
amended to age 16 as a compromise, but it has been sent to
Vermont Governor Jim Douglas for his signature (05/07/2008). Therefore, I used the
Governor's online, 1000 letter limit web form to send him this message:
Governor,
Please don't sign S220 until the age that parents are cut off from children's library records is 18, not 16.
From what I can see so far, the Vermont Library Association came up with this sua sponte, and did so specifically naming the American Library Association as its source of inspiration.
Not only is the ALA external to Vermont, but the ALA has said despite what the US Supreme Court said in US v. ALA, ALA policy will remain unchanged. And that policy includes that it is age discrimination to keep children from any library material whatsoever. What the ALA is ignoring in the case it lost is, "The interest in protecting young library users from material inappropriate for minors is legitimate, and even compelling, as all Members of the Court appear to agree."
The ALA does not agree with that, yet the VLA uses the ALA as inspiration? Please - 18 at least. The VLA's interests here lies with ALA policy, not with VT's children. Don't compromise on VT children.
Thanks.
On this subject, I sent out the following request for information:
Dear Charlene Dindo,
Re: Legislative History of S.220 ( http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/passed/S-220.HTM ), please advise me of, or tell me how to get access to the legislative history of S.220. I am asking you since your name is associated with that linked document, but please forward this to someone who can answer the below questions if you can or may not.
In particular, I am looking to see the source of this legislation, namely, whether that source is internal (Vermont Library Association) or external (American Library Association) to Vermont.
Regarding the age of the children originally proposed to be protected from invasions of privacy by their own parents being age 13 and up, I would like to see if and how that age has changed any, if at all, during the legislative process, and why. I see the age is currently set at 16. How did that happen and why -- was it based on similar rights obtained by children in Vermont at the same age (like driving, voting, drinking) or was it based on "compromise," and who were the parties to the compromise and what were their arguments.
I shall assume these records are available under some open records law, and I will be happy to pay reasonable costs for photocopying any information that answers my request. Please call me at [# elided] to advise of the cost before it is incurred, but anything less than $25 has my blanket approval and no call will be necessary.
I will also assume public notice has been made of this legislative activity and that public records of public hearings are available, perhaps even transcripts online, and any related hearings. I would like to have the URLs for that information, and I would like to learn how I can obtain that information otherwise.
Lastly, if the bill is headed for the Governor's signature as a Vermont Library Association source suggests, please advise me of the expected date of signature and of the means to contact the Governor so that I may exercise my own intellectual freedom in this matter. Given this, if my requests for information can be available in a timely fashion so that I may make an informed comment, that would be greatly appreciated.
FYI, I have begun to follow this issue, and I have a public list of links to related materials here: http://del.icio.us/plan2succeed/S220 I would really like to know what media coverage has been provided on the issue so that I may determine the extent to which that coverage was fair and balanced, then advise the Governor accordingly.
Thank you very much.
CC: Vermont Library Association; S.220's introducer; S.220's drafter; Mary Minow of LibraryLaw fame
