1. Why is access to information particularly valuable to our society?

We live in a democratic society, and part of what makes a democratic society work is
educated citizens. People being able to think for themselves can evaluate things like
presidential candidates, and the president steers our country. Knowledge is power, and
in a democracy, power is in the people.

2. Why is privacy valuable to individuals?

There are many ways individuals are giving away their privacy these days. Usage of
social media being a big thing, for one. Privacy is important, because if someone knows
too much about an individual, they can manipulate the individual’s environment to
produce a third-parties desired outcome.

3. What does "fair use" have to do with copyrighted materials?  

Fair use of copyrighted materials means that material is being used in a manner that the
copyright holder has blanket permission for and is legal. Generally it is for personal or
educational use, not profit. Other factors are nature of the work, how much of the
original is being used, and the effect of the use would have on future sales.

4. What is your opinion on net neutrality?  In your own words, explain why you are
for or against it.

I think I don’t understand enough about it to fully articulate. I do think that pro Net
Neutrality people tend to rush towards a ‘worst case scenario’ and immediately begin
yelling about how that’s what’s going on, but I have to wonder, is it really? I think that
people supporting the market-based approach don’t manage to convey what is really
going on and how it’s affecting everyday users with enough transparency. All in all, I
think that people are overly worked up over it.

5. Under what conditions should details about the information sought by library
patrons be made available to others?

If the information is put out there to be known (for example, a published book). If it is
public record, like unsealed court records. If information has been earmarked as ‘fair
game’ then patrons can and should have access to it. If it has not been, then it isn’t for
public consumption.