Introduction to Library Dispute, centred upon privacy and security for computer users in public libraries
For they have sown the wind,
and they shall reap the whirlwind.
Hosea 8:7
I first became interested in computer privacy and security when local libraries updated their public access computer systems early in June 2002. I published a letter in The Independent on 21 June 2002, and one in the Western Morning News on 27 June 2002. Copies are on this website.
Shortly thereafter began an epic battle with Devon County Council (DCC). Some of the website is currently devoted to this, despite that is was originally envisaged to be centred upon an argument with East Devon District Council about wild gardens - as described in another section.
One person, the Head of Devon County Council's Library Services Mrs Lynn Osborne, is primarily responsible for creation of the library dispute section. She failed properly to answer simple questions posed by a taxpayer (me) and thus set in train the events that are described.
The new 'People's Network' computers were positioned so that privacy was impossible, despite that far better layouts could easily have been arranged. Snooping by other library users and including collection of confidential banking data from screens was almost inevitable given the way the machines had been laid out. Later, I discovered that DCC was able to collect data from 'encrypted' files and also that printout of banking statement screens (for example) were not erased after printing. These issues are more fully discussed on other pages. The huge investment of Lottery money in People's Network computers has been the subject of much self-congratulation within the organisations concerned. However, it is shown elsewhere on this website at peoples_network_computers.htm that there are serious questions of value for money.
The story really begins with my letter of 22 August to Lynn Osborne. One of the first actions of DCC was to call in its lawyers and prohibit all Sidmouth library staff from speaking to me on any aspect of computer systems. These were genuinely the actions of an Authority wedded to the ideals of open government! Later, they blocked my e-mail addresses so I could not contact any official or elected councillor without first creating yet another e-mail address. You can view many of the letters and some of the press coverage on the pages that follow.