As part of that training, I spoke to some librarians about the issues of censorship, privacy and copyright. I focused on the proposed changes to the copyright law and the underlying assumption of many copyright holders that the digital age should give them the right to control not only copying but all use of their products. It's a very frightening possibility. Libraries are wondering how electronic information will change their role and the work they do. Some of the suggestions here might be surprising.
Libraries are a strong anti-censorship force in our society.
Censorship is not only a threat to our present freedoms, it places great limitations on our future. I gave this talk at Computers, Freedom and Privacy in March of 1995 on the topic of Libraries and Access. I was surprised at how many die-hards did show up, but for all of those who partied hard the night before, here's some of what you missed. In January of 1995, I gave the keynote speech at the annual meeting of Student Pugwash. This is a marvelous group of young people concerned with the social responsibility of science.