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Time to get back in the groove

June 13, 2006 - 7:42pm — Durst

I can't believe it's been almost 2 months since last I wrote here in LISNEWZTER-land. Web design - even just layout - takes a lot of concentration! But 'tis all worthwhile. Our usability studies reflect we are headed in the right direction. This is much-needed validation.

We are now solidly in the throes of summer sessions. At least one colleague will be going to ALA.

I am disturbed to see more instances of information security breaches in our federal government. First the VA and now the DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration. Unfortunately, the theft of social security numbers and corresponding personal information was not reported for 9 months! The affected personnel had not been notified either.

Why do I care? What does it have to do with libraries? I have a soft spot for gov't agencies and as someone who has a foot in the world of IT, I care about issues like privacy, identity theft, information security, etc.

Finally, we have a new Domestic Policy Advisor, (see the story here), who seems to personify "equal opportunity hatred." But, "he's got a great intellect." oy vey!

My $0.02, Durst

Comments

June 13, 2006 - 9:24pm — Daniel

Best thing you can say about Zinsmeister...

Is that he wasn't appointed a foreign policy advisor. If we've already won in Iraq, as he says, let's bring our troops home! Also, it looks like the 3,000 US solider death tally he mocked will be a conservative estimate if we stay past 2007.On the domestic side, Mr. Zinsmeister's appointment is a clear signal that President Bush is uninterested in anyone who does not already support him. Looking at the latest poll numbers, that indicates the President is writing off two-thirds of the country. An odd way to govern a democratic republic.I'm not suggesting the President should appoint a liberal as a domestic policy advisor, but a thoughtful conservative who doesn't routinely demonize his opponents would be healthier for the country. William F. Buckley, Tony Blankley or Sen. Chuck Hagel all come to mind.On the main topic of your post, the loss of VA data does make one wonder how secure the vast database of phone records, internet browsing, etc that the gov't is assembling will be. My guess is not very and people should be angry about that. Especially since there are former NSA officers telling us that data mining will be ineffective.

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June 14, 2006 - 8:49pm — Durst

Re:Best thing you can say about Zinsmeister...

That data mining piece is the best one I've read yet for clarity of the issues and credibility of the source. Thanks for putting it up.

Preaching to the choir, but I think one thing people are overlooking is the fact that it's not just phone calls. Email is also vulnerable. EGAD!

I wonder (she thinks snidely to herself) what kind of retention schedule these domestic spying files are being held under? Just a minor records management issue...

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