IL PL To Use Fingerprint ID

Decision to add security draws concern about possible misuse

By Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 07/15/2005

The Naperville Public Library, IL, this summer will install fingerprint scanners on 130 computers that offer either public Internet access or require a time limit on usage—a response to the apparent misuse by some patrons of others' library cards or passwords to log on. The decision was also prompted by the library's desire to ensure parents' control of their children's Internet access. The scanners will cost $40,646.

The plan is being viewed with skepticism by librarians and civil liberties advocates who believe the data could be abused, but library deputy director Mark West said it can't be cross-referenced with law enforcement databases. This is apparently the second library use of fingerprint scanners—the Buffalo & Erie County PL, NY, began a pilot program at two locations (see InfoTech, LJ 6/15/04, p. 27).

Naperville PL learned of the card/password abuse after investigating an incident last year in which a patron was reported fondling himself while looking at Internet porn. Police criticized the library's refusal to allow computer records to be viewed without a court order. Ultimately, the court order was obtained, and the man was arrested. While a state representative from Naperville proposed amending the state's confidentiality law, House Speaker Michael Madigan resisted, as he opposes expanding police powers, the Chicago Tribune reported.