Fiona and all,
Freedom of Information Act will apply to all Government and Public Bodies.
They have to publish schedules of the information they are to make
available and in what format by the end of the year. It generally covers
information about the activities of the organisation, as well as agendas,
minutes and internal organisation.
It does not cover information about individuals or their activity (ie:
borrowing habits
or fine histories). It is therefore unlikely to affect libraries, except if
the Librarian
is the organisations Knowledge Manager/Data Protection Officer/FOI officer.
It
will affect any Regional Library Organisation, who will be responsible for
compliance with FOI.
However, library staff will have to ensure that they contribute to KM by
informing the organisation of any likely relevant material that could
potentially
be covered by FOI - best example: agenda and minutes of Library Committees,
but
could also cover organisational histories, annual reports or other stored
archival
material. You should also make yourself aware of who is the organisations'
FOI officer and DP Officer, and even possibily have a written policy
document
so that staff know how to handle potential requests.
It is my assessment, that I am not authorised to disclose information, and
that all
requests received must be referred to my FOI Officer. You need to check.
Regardless of the above (which is a personal interpretation), we cannot
afford to
'bury our heads in the sand' and ignore the possible effects of FOI and Data
Protection.
We must get informed and keep informed if we are to perform professionally.
Graham Titley
Rochdale
>From: Fiona McLean <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Fiona McLean <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Freedom of Information Workshop
>Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2003 09:18:57 +0100
>
>Mark
>
>
>
>Its terrific that CILIP is offering this, and free!
>
>
>
>We need a short summary of who it may apply to? I have had a look at the
>doc, but it took ages to load and its too complicated for me to absorb
>in the (sadly v limited) time I have available. I need to know if this
>might affect my work in my current post before I can decide if attending
>is justified in work time. I would guess that it's the same for many
>other list members.
>
>
>
>Thanks!
>
>
>
>Fiona McLean
>
>[log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>
>
>
_________________________________________________________________
Tired of 56k? Get a FREE BT Broadband connection
http://www.msn.co.uk/specials/btbroadband
|