How government-mandated policies affect those responsible for their implementation: The USA Patriot Act and academic libraries

Scope and method of study. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the tensions and transaction patterns evidenced by librarians as they implemented and administered government mandated policies [Patriot Act] contradictory to their professional ethics and beliefs. Smith's (1973) policy implementation theory maintains that policies formulated by governments serve as tension generating forces in society. He believes that individuals responsible for their implementation and those affected by the policies will experience "tensions, strains, and conflicts," which may or may not cause transaction patterns. The design of this study is an explanatory case study, one whose lessons can be transferred to a broader arena. Data sources or participants were professional, academic librarians from public colleges and universities located in a Midwestern state. The data collection process used interviews, observations, and document analysis.; Findings and conclusions. This study shows the affect that the Patriot Act has on librarians and library services. Tensions, strains, and conflicts were evident within the target group resulting in the development of transaction patterns. The primary purpose of these transaction patterns related directly to the protection of library and patron records. Transaction patterns included: developing new policies and procedures; training staff; purchasing new integrated library systems; directing library patrons to more secure forms of information; keeping library records for a shorter length of time; shredding documents; developing new protocols for reference interviews; practicing more discretion with library records; ending personal logins and pin numbers; and purging data. Two other realities identified in this study are that law enforcement agents are routinely visiting academic libraries within the participating state. Also, one library system is assisting law enforcement by monitoring and tracking library patrons. Finding from this study can advance the understanding of how government mandated policies affect those responsible for implementing policies. Enabling future policymakers to develop better policies that create fewer tensions, strains, and conflicts on those affect by the policies and those responsible for implementing policies.