Okay. Good question. You and others ask how I know they knew it was the police and refused them.
From the article: "So a dispatcher, then an officer called the Fairfield County District Library and were told the library could not release the information without a court order."
There you go. Flat refusal.
And the Steiner use of common sense to say they can have their information now came later, after the police were refused the information, and was not written in the policy the employees were following.
Here's that policy:
http://www.fairfield.lib.oh.us/privacy.php
Privacy Policy
Citizens using the public library have the right to expect privacy with regard to information sought or received and materials consulted, borrowed or requested.
In accordance with HB 389, Confidentiality Legislation, effective October 3, 2000, library records and patron information are confidential. However, library records or patron information will be released in the following situations:
1. parents, guardians and custodians will have access to their minor children's records;
2. in accordance with 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;
3. with the consent of the individual who is the subject of the record or information; or
4. for library administrative purposes only.
That's asinine.
So, if you are a librarian and someone claims to be a dispatcher or an officer from the local police department, do you give over all your information? Of course not!
Unless, that is, you let me call you up and request your Social Security number and your bank account information after I tell you the same line.
Only idiots give that sort of information up without a high level of proof.
Are you an idiot?