Oral history research ethics: should anonymity and confidentially issues be dealt with on their own merit?

ABSTRACT

A primary principle of ethical codes in research involving people is that of informed consent which ensures participants’ right to privacy, confidentiality and anonymity. A blanket application of the principle of anonymity to Oral History (OH) research could well be counterproductive to the purported aims of OH research. The research comprised a literature study. Four rationales for doing OH are discussed and positioned within the philosophical framework that informs the purpose of and methodological approach to the research. Examples are extracted to explain where the principle of anonymity could be at variance with the research aims. When OH research sets out to contribute to historical understanding, validate respondents’ lives, contribute to democracy and facilitate socio-political transformation, enforcing anonymity has the potential to denigrate the respondent and jeopardize research credibility. Researchers should question whether the unmitigated application of the principle of anonymity restricts them from achieving their mandate of affording respondents’ dignity, respect, autonomy and beneficence.     

Chapter 2. Governing Policies for Interlibrary Loan

Abstract

ILL activity is governed by local, state, and national agreements and codes. Chapter 2 discusses the importance of national and statewide ILL codes of conduct, and also covers laws and regulations (confidentiality, the PATRIOT Act, HIPAA) germane to interlibrary loan.     

Procedures to Follow if a Law Enforcement Official Asks for Patron Information: A Checklist for Access Services Student Employees

ABSTRACT

Since the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act was signed into law in October, 2001, library administrators have become increasingly concerned that staff–especially student employees–continue to protect the confidentiality of patron records. Administrators have also become increasingly concerned that when law enforcement officials provide paperwork giving them legal access to patron records, staff take steps both to divulge no more information than is necessary and to protect the institution from liability. In response to these concerns, the University of Colorado, Boulder, created an easy-to-understand and easy-to-use document for its public services student employees. This article describes the process by which that document was created, how it was introduced to staff and student employees, and what additional steps are planned for the future. Finally, the document itself is included as a possible model for other institutions that may wish to create procedural guidelines for student employees.     

Considering FERPA requirements for library patron databases within a consortial environment

This case study examines patron record privacy and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) within a consortial environment. FERPA requirements were examined, as well as college and library policy and procedure. It was determined that information in library patron records is directory information and, under most circumstances, does not need FERPA protections. However, the needs of the confidential student, who requests confidentiality of all information, including directory information, were identified as not having been addressed. Reed Library adjusted policy and procedures to meet the needs of the confidential student and fulfill FERPA requirements.     

The USA PATRIOT Act: Archival Implications

ABSTRACT

In October 2001, Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act to strengthen the ability of the U.S. government to combat terrorism. Unfortunately, some sections of the Act strike at core values and practices of libraries and archives, especially in the areas of record keeping, privacy, confidentiality, security, and access to the collections. This article addresses several crucial issues with focus especially on Section 215 of the Act, privacy and confidentiality concerns, record keeping practices, and the development of policies and procedures to prepare archivists for a request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for researcher records.     

Should There Be “Privilege” in the Relationship Between Reference Librarian and Patron?

SUMMARY

Certain professional-client relationships fall under the legal umbrella of “privilege,” an evidentiary rule which protects the client from unauthorized disclosure of confidential information by the professional, and which shields the professional from demands to reveal such information in court. The reference librarian-patron relationship does not currently enjoy any such protection, although it shares many characteristics with those professional relationships which do. Some of the possible reasons for this exclusion are explored, and the question of whether or not privilege should be extended to the reference librarian-patron relationship is considered.     

商事仲裁裁决公开的现实困境及理论路径

为保护当事人对保密性的期待,增强仲裁的吸引力,在当前实践中,仲裁裁决通常是不公开的。仲裁裁决不予公开尽管有助于保护当事人的声誉和商业秘密,但也在一定程度上阻碍了仲裁制度的发展。因此,改变既有实践,使仲裁裁决的公开常态化实属必要。此外,在仲裁裁决公开之前,应赋予当事人异议权,使当事人参与到裁决的公开的实践中来,减少当事人对于公开裁决的疑虑,以更好地保护当事人的利益。     

冷战以来美国情报政策的流变及启示 ——以情报工作透明与保密的实践为视角

[目的/意义]梳理了美国冷战以来的情报政策流变,分析了情报工作保密与透明的实践,可以补充完善国内对美国情报政策的研究,为我国的情报政策提供有益的思路。[方法/过程]通过梳理冷战以来美国四位总统的情报政策,采用历史分析法与科学归纳法,以情报工作透明与保密的实践为视角,深入分析情报政策的主要内容及特点,总结美国情报政策的一般规律。[结果/结论]好的情报政策是顺应国家安全需要的政策选择;情报工作透明的价值显著,需在情报政策中予以考虑;把握透明与保密的互动关系,可以实现情报界更好发展;我国的情报工作可以以透明度为切入点,争取实现情报工作跨越式发展。     

The Development of the Year Curriculum Coordinator at Burntwood School

This article gives an account of a school in which Year Curriculum Teams were created, consisting of a planned combination of tutors across subject clusters. An enhanced role and perspective for the tutor is described. Subsequent changes were accommodated well by the new system, even though the position regarding tutor continuity was changed. As with other school accounts in this issue, a sense of the particular flavour of the school comes through, alongside the structural themes which may have wide application.

Charles Harper and Yvonne Barry are both members of the Senior Management Team at Burntwood School, which has recently been awarded Beacon status. Charles has taught in a number of schools including in Pennsylvania, USA. He was a Head of Art before moving into senior management. Yvonne has taught in two large comprehensive schools and was a Year Curriculum Coordinator before becoming a senior manager. Both have been involved in training staff and in giving presentations at the Institute of Education, CSCS, QME and various London schools. Charles and Yvonne are members of various working groups and advisory bodies including the Open University and the QCA.     

浅谈商业秘密的构成要件

商业秘密法领域，虽有统一认识的趋势和实践，但在具体问题上也存在着分歧。主要是对商业秘密的构成要件存在着分歧。本文认为，商业秘密的构成要件主要内容应有：秘密性、新颖性、实用性、价值性和管理性。