The problem of guaranteeing the security of confidential and private information in data bases and in library records is discussed. (PF)

It is more important to make available all possible shades of opinion and varieties of creative effort than to have the widest possible range of gadgets and gizmos connected by the fanciest and longest possible networks, but including only a restricted, censored, limited range of topics and their interpretations. (Author)

Watergate has been an opportunity to work for badly needed changes in the way we handle public records. (Author/PF)

Lawsuits illustrate the increasing concern over national security in regulating the security classification system, and government attitudes toward information have shifted from secrecy to openness to censorship. The Central Intelligence Agency's suppression of unclassified printed information is a case in point. (SW)

The civil liberties issues involved in the keeping of public records certainly arose prior to the use of computers, but automated information systems have, beyond any question, aggravated those issues involved in all areas of application and have made the need for legal protection crucial, if we are not to see a synergistic development of national…

Reading habits as private or public affairs are discussed in this essay concerning the application of the right of privacy to library circulation records. Several related court cases and library exemptions granted by state legislatures in 17 states are noted. Twenty-six references are cited. (EJS)

Introduces the political issues to be discussed at the first White House Conference on Library and Information Services which will focus on citizen control of the information flow in view of developing demands and technology. A desired political result of the conference is the creation of a citizens' lobby. (SW)

Relates experiences of public library in dealing with request for circulation records of inmate residing in county jail. Library policy, law and the prosecutor, preparing defense for refusal to comply with request, public relations, consequences of court appeals, and making the decision to comply with subpoena are discussed. (9 refernces) (EJS)

This report of the events at the American Library Association annual conference summarizes presentations and debates on several social issues as well as a manifesto addressing social and ethical problems that was presented at the conference. A list of officers and awards is provided. (CLB)