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The IFC developed this Q&A to work in conjunction with Privacy: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, adopted by the ALA Council on June 19, 2002. Revised April 14, 2005; June 26, 2006; October 30, 2006; January 23, 2012; July 1, 2014.
In the last decade challenges to privacy from a multitude of sources have been on the rise. Consequently questions about privacy and libraries are escalating. The Privacy Subcommittee of the American Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee has prepared this "Q & A" to provide additional guidance for librarians struggling with privacy issues.
I. Basic Concepts—Definitions, Rights, and Responsibilities
1. What is the difference between privacy and confidentiality in a library?
In a library, user privacy is the right to open inquiry without having the subject of one's interest examined or scrutinized by others. Confidentiality exists when a library is in possession of personally identifiable information (see No. 2. "What is personally identifiable information" below) about users and keeps that information private on their behalf. Confidentiality is a library's responsibility. This responsibility is assumed when library procedures create records such as closed-stack call slips, computer sign-up sheets, registration for equipment or facilities, circulation records, what Web sites were visited, reserve notices, or research notes.
In protecting the privacy rights and the confidentiality rights of library users, librarians, staff, educators, volunteers, and trustees should limit the degree to which personally identifiable information is monitored, collected, disclosed, and distributed while fulfilling their duty to comply with their state's library confidentiality statute. Librarians involved in training volunteers, new employees, student assistants, or trustees should inform them of the requirements that they not abuse confidentiality and that they protect library users' rights of privacy.
For ALA's privacy policies and "Privacy: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights," see the web site, "Privacy and Confidentiality."
2. What is "personally identifiable information", and why is this phrase used?
"Personally identifiable information" (PII) covers a greater range than "personal identification," such as an individual's name, address, telephone number, social security number, driver's license number, e-mail address, etc. PII connects you to what you bought with your credit card, what you checked out with your library card, and what Web sites you visited where you picked up cookies. More than simple identification, PII can build up a picture of your tastes and interests — a dossier of sorts, though crude and often inaccurate. While targeted advertising is the obvious use for PII, some people would use this information to assess your character, decide if you were a security risk, or embarrass you for opposing them. For minors seeking personal, social, and sexual identities, having the subjects of their research or reading known may be embarrassing or put them at risk for teasing or bullying. Because of the chilling effect that such scrutiny can have on open inquiry and freedom of expression, libraries and bookstores have long resisted requests to release information that connects individual persons with specific books.
"Personally identifiable information" has become the generally accepted phrase and has been in use in ALA policy since the 1991 adoption of the "Policy Concerning Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information about Library Users."
3. If there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in a public place, how can anyone expect privacy in a library?
A library cannot be responsible for someone being seen or recognized in a library but should take steps to protect user privacy whenever possible. That is, in a library, a user's face may be recognized, but that does not mean that the subject of the user's interest must also be known. The interior design and functions of library buildings — including school libraries — can be planned to preserve privacy of inquiry, even while the user's presence and behavior remain observable. Thus, both safety and privacy are maintained. To the greatest extent possible, the user should be able to work independently, both to afford privacy and to reduce the quantity of confidential records for which the library must be responsible.
4. I know people can be suspicious of what bureaucrats might do with personal information, but I'm a librarian — can't people just trust me?
While we librarians don't often think of ourselves as government bureaucrats, members of the public may see us as authorities just like a uniformed police officer or a robed judge. In fact, staff in publicly funded libraries are part of government and are constrained by all the laws that restrict the power of government. One of the lessons learned on the way to democracy was that no matter how ethical the current office holder may be, someday someone else may try to abuse the position. Laws and institutional policies are among the ways we make sure that we aren't totally dependent on the character of the person in the job. Policies can provide guidance and strength, especially when new technology makes issues look different, By establishing strong privacy and confidentiality policies, libraries and schools can protect staff from pressure to violate users' rights.
5. Why is it important for my library to have a privacy policy, and what should the policy cover?
All libraries — not just those that are publicly funded — should have in place privacy policies and procedures to ensure that confidential information in all formats is protected. A privacy policy communicates the library's commitment to protecting user information and helps prevent liability and public relations problems. Librarians should consult with their attorneys or school district legal counsel to develop policies that limit the degree to which personally identifiable information is monitored, collected, retained, disclosed, and distributed.
"Privacy: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights," is intended to reaffirm and clarify the long-standing commitment of librarians to protect the privacy rights of our users, regardless of the format or medium of information in use. This commitment has not changed in the era of the World Wide Web. In fact, it has only strengthened in the years since the Internet was introduced into America's libraries. See for example "Access to Digital Information, Services, and Networks," in which ALA reaffirmed that "Users have both the right of confidentiality and the right of privacy."
Links to selected sample library privacy policies can be found at "Privacy Resources for Librarians, Library Users, and Families." In addition, Part 3, Chapter 4.5, "Guidelines for Developing a Library Privacy Policy," of the Intellectual Freedom Manual (2010), discusses the process involved in developing a confidentiality policy.
See : Chmara, Theresa. Privacy and Confidentiality Issues: a Guide for Libraries and Their Lawyers. Chicago : American Library Association, 2009
6. What are the privacy rights and responsibilities of staff, volunteers, and trustees?
"Privacy: an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights," like the "Library Bill of Rights," itself, addresses the rights of library users. This Interpretation also has implications for library staff, educators, volunteers, and trustees. When staff are library users, they are entitled to equal protection of their privacy and confidentiality of their records as library users. They may not, however, be entitled to privacy when acting in their capacity as employees.
Employers have a legitimate interest in ensuring efficiency and productivity. Library management has an obvious further interest in ensuring that employee practices do not adversely impact user service or infringe on user rights, including user rights of privacy and confidentiality. But library employers and educational institutions who use electronic or video surveillance or engage in monitoring of computer, e-mail, or telephone use by employees must carefully evaluate these practices in light of both legal requirements and the profession's ethical commitment to upholding rights of privacy and confidentiality.
* Legal issues: Few laws regulate employee monitoring in the private sector, although federal, state, and local government employees benefit from some degree of legal protection. Some state public record and record retention laws may impact the degree to which employee personally identifiable information (PII) is kept confidential. Employee PII not covered by law or regulation must be kept confidential. Further, employees have a right to know what security and information management systems are in place to protect personnel records containing PII, and a right to clear enumeration of the circumstances under which such information may be provided to third parties. Library policy should call for the release of PII to law enforcement requests only when those requests come in the form of a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction. [1]
* Monitoring: In many libraries, employees are required to sign Internet and computing use agreements that differ from the policies extended to library users. However, if a library intends to engage in monitoring of staff workstations or work spaces, it should give notice through a written policy providing:
- notice of these practices to employees;
- notice to the public if any staff-user interactions (e.g., virtual reference) are subject to monitoring or recording; and both redaction of PII from and regular purging of all such records;
- notice to employees if their social security numbers are used as unique identifiers in personnel or other records;
- employee access to all PII, including any collected through monitoring, and the right to dispute and delete inaccurate data;
- no monitoring of areas designed for employee health or comfort;
- no collection of data not specifically related to work performance; and;
- restrictions on PII disclosure to third parties without employee consent.
* Staff use of library resources: All staff use of library resources or public access workstations that is conducted outside of work hours and/or is not directly job-related should be covered in the same way that any library user's privacy and confidentiality is protected.
For more information on employee privacy rights, and on policy writing to protect those rights, see:
- Chmara, Theresa. Privacy and Confidentiality Issues: a Guide for Libraries and Their Lawyers. Chicago : American Library Association, 2009
- American Civil Liberties Union, "Privacy in America: Electronic Monitoring,"
- American Civil Liberties Union, "Through the Keyhole,"
- Electronic Privacy Information Center, "Workplace Privacy Page,"
- Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. "Fact Sheet 7: Workplace Privacy,"
7. What role does education play in protecting patron privacy?
The library should have a continuing training plan to educate adult and student staff, educators, trustees, volunteers, and contract workers about library privacy principles, policies and procedures, and library staff's legal and ethical responsibilities as custodians of personally identifiable information (PII). It is important that all concerned understand that this responsibility includes avoiding any inferences about users based on their library use.
All staff and any others with access to employee PII must understand they are not to look at any stored information without prior authorization to do so, and in accordance with written policies; and that if they accidentally see any such data (such as electronic monitoring logs, e-mail subject lines, file names, etc.) they are bound by confidentiality guidelines.
Library staff should also be informed of their responsibility to cooperate with other organizations that work to protect privacy and challenge intrusions.
Librarians must educate their users through a variety of learning methods that provide the information and tools adults and minors need to protect their privacy and the confidentiality of their own PII. For support in this area, see the
"Privacy and Confidentiality," section of the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom's Web site.
8. Does privacy include a right to avoid exposure to unwanted images?
Protecting privacy in the library setting ensures open inquiry without fear of having one's interests observed by others. Ensuring user privacy not only benefits the user, but also those who prefer not to see what other users view. When there is a conflict between the right of individuals to view constitutionally protected speech and the sensibilities of unwilling viewers, free expression rights have generally prevailed in the Courts unless unwilling viewers are unable to avert their eyes. Libraries may address the concerns of unwilling viewers in a number of different ways, including the strategic placement of workstations and the use of devices such as privacy screens or recessed monitors.
9. What is a Privacy Audit and whose responsibility is it?
A privacy audit is a technique for assuring that an organization's goals and promises of privacy and confidentiality are supported by its practices, thereby protecting confidential information from abuse and the organization from liability and public relations problems. An audit ensures that information processing procedures meet privacy requirements by examining how information about customers and employees is collected, stored, shared, used and destroyed. Privacy auditing is a process, not a one-time solution, as services, data needs, and technology change. A designated Privacy Officer may lead the audit, but all stakeholders and aspects of privacy need to be represented, from information technology to public relations.
The audit process needs to be capable of dealing with the full extent of the information system. When a library is part of a larger organization such as a university or a K-12 school district that is conducting a privacy audit, specific library issues and needs must be included. The audit process begins by evaluating the organization's existing policies and procedures for legality and consistency with the organization's mission and image. When policies have been reviewed (or established), the data collected can be categorized according to the degree of security necessary. The audit assesses the sensitivity, security risks, and public perceptions of the information the organization collects. The audit examines the necessity for each type of data, how it is collected, and what notice and options are provided to the individuals identified by the information. Mapping how data flows through the organization for access, storage, and disposal can reveal security needs, both electronic and physical. The audit process itself must be managed so that it does not increase risks and its recommendations must be addressed quickly once risks are revealed.
Adams, Helen R., Robert F. Bocher, Carol A. Gordon, and Elizabeth Barry-Kessler. Privacy in the 21st Century: Issues for Public, School, and Academic Libraries. Westport, Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited, 2005.
Coyle, Karen. 2002. "Privacy and Library Systems Before & After 9/11,"
Enright, Keith P. [2001]. "Privacy Audit Checklist,"
Flaherty, David H. 1998. "How To Do A Privacy And Freedom Of Information Act Site Visit," David H. Flaherty.
II. Protection of Privacy and Library Records
10. Are there special challenges created for library administration by digital patron records?
Any database of personally identifiable information (PII) is a potential target for computer crime and identity theft. Data security must be planned to protect both the library itself and its promise of confidentiality and to ensure the thorough removal of patron records as soon as each ceases to be needed. Library administration should seek ways to permit in-house access to information in all formats without creating a data trail. In general, acquiring the least amount of PII for the shortest length of time reduces the risk of unwanted disclosure. The library should also invest in appropriate technology to protect the security of any PII while it is in the library's custody, and should ensure that aggregate data has been stripped of PII.
In order to assure their obligations of confidentiality, libraries and schools should implement written policies governing data retention and dissemination of electronic records. These policies should affirm the confidentiality of information about library users and their use of all library materials.
See: Chmara, Theresa. Privacy and Confidentiality Issues: a Guide for Libraries and Their Lawyers. Chicago : American Library Association, 2009
11. What else besides library records might compromise user privacy?
It is inevitable that library staff will recognize users. It is also necessary that staff be aware of activity and behavior inside the library to ensure that users' needs are met and for security purposes. This knowledge should not be put to any purpose other than service to library users.
12. How should we work to protect user privacy if our library or institutional policies or services require us to be closely involved with or closely monitoring our library users?
In all libraries, it is the nature of the service rather than the type of the library that should dictate any gathering of personally identifiable information (PII). Some common library practices necessarily involve close communication with — or monitoring of — library users. Services such as bibliographic instruction, reference consultation, teaching and curriculum support in school libraries, readers' advice in public libraries, and preservation of fragile or rare library materials in special collections libraries are just a few instances of services that require library staff to be aware of users' information-access habits. As part of serving the user, it is often necessary for staff to consult with each other. Staff must be careful to conduct such conversations privately and keep strictly to the purpose. But in all types of libraries, any such compromising of user privacy by library staff carries with it an ethical and professional (and often legal) obligation to protect the confidentiality of that PII. Most important, all gathering of PII should be done in the interests of providing, or improving, particular library services.
13. Our library has been using a lot of new technologies in recent years. How can we stay on top of all the privacy concerns?
Every technology since fire can be used for both good and evil. It is the responsibility of librarians to establish policies to prevent any threat to privacy posed by new technologies. It is attention and commitment to fundamental principles of data security that may best ensure that user rights to privacy and confidentiality are not threatened through their use of library services. To help define and assess your local data security practices, consider reviewing these guidelines:
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, "Fact Sheet 12: Checklist of Responsible Information-Handling Practices,"
Jeff Eisenberg and Connie Lawthers, "Computer and Network Security: Introduction,"
14. Can libraries use social security numbers (SSNs) in patron databases or for other means of uniquely identifying our users?
SSNs are not entirely random numbers: the first three digits indicate in which state the number was issued, and the next two numbers indicate the order in which the SSN was issued in each area. Only the last four numbers are randomly generated. Thus, even the disclosure of an SSN without further action does divulge private information.
Some states restrict the use of social security numbers to circumstances explicitly authorized by law, particularly for the reporting of income for employees. Section 7 of the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 provides that any agency requesting an individual to disclose his or her SSN must "inform that individual whether that disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, by what statutory authority such number is solicited, and what uses will be made of it." The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires publicly-funded schools to obtain written consent for the release of personally identifiable information, which courts have ruled includes SSNs. The widespread use of SSNs by public and private agencies had created a dual threat of fraud victimization and the invasion of privacy, by linking significant amounts of personal and financial information through a single number. In November 2004 the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in "Social Security Numbers,"noted that ". . . it is clear that the lack of a broad, uniform policy allows for unnecessary exposure of personal Social Security numbers."
Libraries have long used SSNs to trace patrons who have outstanding fines or overdue materials, often through collection agencies. In fact, the current state of Internet technology often allows an individual to be located without the use of an SSN. Libraries that choose to use SSNs in patron databases or to identify users should:
- inform patrons whether providing their SSNs is mandatory or voluntary, and under what statutory authority the SSNs are solicited;
- inform patrons of the purpose for which SSNs will be used;
- use encryption to protect SSNs within patron databases, and;
- investigate other methods of uniquely identifying patrons and tracing those who have outstanding fines or overdue materials.
Electronic Privacy Information Center, Social Security Number (SSN) Privacy Page.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Governmental Accounting Office, "Social Security Numbers: Governments Could Do More to Reduce Display in Public Records and on Identity Cards."
Privacy Act of 1974 and Amendments (as of January 3, 2005).
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, "My Social Security Number: How Secure Is It?."
Sample library policies:
College of William & Mary, Earl Gregg Swem Library, "Faculty Circulation Services."
University of California Libraries, http://libraries.universityofcalifornia.edu/privacy/ .
Harvard Libraries, http://lib.harvard.edu/comments/privacy.html.
Shelburne Memorial Library, http://sherlib.wordpress.com/about-us/policies/privacyconfidentiality/.
Seattle Public Library, http://www.spl.org/about-the-library/library-use-policies/confidentiality-of-library-borrower-information.
Mill Valley Public Library, http://www.cityofmillvalley.org/Index.aspx?page=581.
St. Joseph County Public Library, http://sjcpl.lib.in.us/policies/files/PublicServicePolicy2010.pdf.
(See sections 3.0, 3.1.1, 3.1.2 & 3.1.3)
15. How does FERPA impact academic libraries and the privacy of students' library records?
"The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act," 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, (FERPA) controls disclosure of a student's educational records and information. It requires educational institutions to adopt policies that permit students to inspect and correct their educational records. It also prohibits disclosure of a student's records without the student's written permission. This applies to the records of any student enrolled at a post-secondary educational institution, even if that student is under the age of 18.
The Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO), a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the federal office charged with overseeing and enforcing FERPA. According to FPCO, any record maintained by an educational institution directly related to a student, in any format, that allows the student to be identified from the information contained in it, is considered an "educational record." Analysts within FPCO have issued guidance stating that library circulation records and similar records maintained by a university library are "educational records" under FERPA.
Though FERPA generally requires institutions to protect the privacy of educational records, it contains many exceptions that allow disclosure of a student's educational records without the student's consent or permission. For example, FERPA permits educational institutions to release information contained in a student's records to any school official who has a "legitimate educational interest" in the records; to appropriate public officials in health and safety emergencies; and to courts and law enforcement agencies in response to a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. FERPA also permits educational institutions to disclose information about international students to the Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau. In addition, colleges and universities may disclose records and information to the parents of adult students if the student is a tax dependent or if the student is under 21 and has violated any law or regulation concerning the illegal use of drugs or alcohol.
FERPA thus permits disclosure when state library confidentiality statutes and professional ethics would otherwise prohibit the disclosure of library records. FERPA, however, does not require the institution to disclose records under these circumstances, nor does FERPA require institutions to create or maintain particular records. University and college libraries may therefore draw upon professional ethics and academic freedom principles to craft policies that extend additional privacy protection to users' library records; adopt record retention policies that protect user confidentiality; and, where applicable, incorporate state law protections for library records.
Additional Resources
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232g
Code of Federal Regulations, Family educational rights and privacy, 34 C.F.R. Part 99.
Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education.
16. How should we handle additional records kept by the library for the purpose of serving users with special needs?
If libraries create additional records for special purposes, the same responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of those records applies. However, libraries that choose to keep such information on an ongoing basis acquire a correspondingly greater responsibility to maintain the ongoing confidentiality of that information. Policies and procedures should address the collection, retention, and disclosure of records in any format that contain personally identifiable information in compliance with statutory requirements. Libraries should also apply the Fair Information Practice Principles: Notice, Consent, Access, Security and Enforcement. When complying with ALA's "Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy," all attempts should be made to protect the privacy and confidentiality of library users with disabilities. See "Services to Persons with Disabilities: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights."
17. I'd like to let my users pick up their own holds without having to ask for staff assistance. Can I do this while still protecting their confidentiality?
Allowing patrons to pick up their own holds from an open shelf is a popular trend, but one that can violate your library's confidentiality policy and may even violate state laws. Libraries that offer this option should minimize linking a title with a particular user and shield users' names from public view. With these goals in mind, your library can offer this service without abandoning confidentiality. To protect patrons' identities while still allowing them to find their own items, use pseudonyms, codes, numbers or other means of masking identity. Protect the item's identity by wrapping it with a full sheet of paper, using an envelope or reusable bag to hold the item, or some equivalent option. Provide your users with the ability to opt out of the open hold arrangement if they request it.
See "Resolution to Protect Library User Confidentiality in Self-Service Hold Practices."
18. Will smart cards, or ID cards that use biometric enhancements, help protect privacy?
Smart cards are getting a lot of attention for their ability to store personal data for a variety of applications. With the best intentions, government agencies sometimes propose sharing data on people who receive government services. Library policies on confidentiality should state clearly that personally identifiable information collected by the library will not be shared with any other agency or organization unless required by a court order. If agencies are jointly issuing a smart card, library data must be partitioned with no leakage to other agencies.
The more agencies using a shared card, the greater the need for strong identification confirmation. Various biometrics, from photographs to fingerprints to iris scans, are proposed to ensure that identification cards are authentic. This raises correspondingly greater risks that tampering with the encoding of identification will affect every aspect of an individual's life. Biometrics can offer increased convenience, as in the suggestion of children checking out books by thumb print, but the risks must be carefully weighed. Libraries have a responsibility to invite public discussion on the pros and cons of identification technology proposals. The following URLs consider various aspects of new identification card technology:
American Library Association. "Resolution on Privacy and Standardized Driver's Licenses and Personal Identification Cards,"
Barnes, Bill. "The National ID Card: If They Build it, Will it Work?" Slate.
Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, "National Identification Schemes: Links to Resources."
Electronic Frontier Foundation, "National Identification Systems."
Electronic Privacy Information Center. "National ID and the REAL ID Act."
Ellison, Larry. "Smart Cards: Digital IDs Can Help Prevent Terrorism," Wall Street Journal, Monday, October 8, 2001.
Garfinkel, Simson, "Identity Card Delusions," Technology Review, April 2002.
Glasner, Joanna. "Linking Records Raises Risks," Wired News, April 20, 2001.
Ham, Shane and Robert D. Atkinson. "Frequently Asked Questions about Smart ID Cards," Progressive Policy Institute.
19. Should libraries use data encryption to protect privacy?
Some privacy rights advocates encourage increased use of data encryption as a method for enhancing privacy protection. Encrypted data requires others to use a pre-defined electronic "key" to decipher the contents of a message, file, or transaction. While not yet in widespread use by individuals, data encryption is commonly used in online banking and commerce. Libraries should negotiate with vendors to encourage the use of such technology in library systems (e.g., in the document delivery, saved searches, and email features now offered by many OPAC vendors). Whenever possible, libraries should consider making encryption tools available to library users who are engaging in personalized online transactions or communications.
Center for Democracy and Technology, "Resource Library: Encryption"
Electronic Frontier Foundation, "Encryption Archive"
Electronic Privacy Information Center, "Cryptography Policy"
Electronic Privacy Information Center, "EPIC Online Guide to Practical Privacy Tools."
MyCrypto.net, "Encryption and Privacy."
20. My library is considering implementing a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system for circulation and stacks maintenance. What are the implications for user privacy of such a system?
Some libraries have already implemented RFID; others are waiting until some of the industry technical standards and privacy implications have been better resolved. ALA has approved "RFID Privacy Principles," that encourage libraries to adopt and enforce privacy policies and discourage inclusion of personal information on RFID tags. When considering, selecting and implementing RFID, libraries should safeguard user privacy by consulting ALA's "RFID in Libraries: Privacy and Confidentiality Guidelines," in order to adopt best practices to protect privacy and confidentiality.
Additional resources are also available:
American Library Association Council, "Resolution on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology and Privacy Principles."
ALA Library, Fact Sheet 25 - RFID: A Brief Bibliography."
Ayre, Lori Bowen, "RFID,"
Book Industry Study Group. "BISG Policy Statement #002: RFID - Radio Frequency Identification Privacy Principles."
Caldwell-Stone, Deborah, "RFID and Libraries," Library Technology Reports, November/December 2010 (46:8)
RFID_LIB–Radio Frequency Identifiers in Library Usage, "About RFID_LIB," http://listsmart.osl.state.or.us/mailman/listinfo/rfid_lib.
Electronic Privacy Information Center, "Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems."
Beth Givens, "RFID Implementation in Libraries."
David Molnar and David Wagner, "Privacy and Security in Library RFID Issues, Practices, and Architectures."
PRIVACYnotes, "RFID Position Statement of Consumer Privacy and Civil Liberties Organizations."
21. Can circulation or registration information be used for other library purposes, such as to generate mailing lists for fund-raising by the library or its Friends group?
The Fair Information Practice Principles of "Notice and Openness" and "Choice and Consent" should be reflected in library privacy policies. See "How to Draft a Library Privacy Policy."
Some states impose restrictions on the use of personally identifiable information (PII) for any purposes other than circulation or administration. In other states it is illegal to provide library user PII to any third party except under court order. See "State Privacy Laws Regarding Library Records." In all states, regardless of the status of the law, library policies regarding the collection, use and dissemination of PII should be carefully formulated and administered to ensure that they do not conflict with the ALA Code of Ethics that states "we protect each user's right to privacy and confidentiality." Libraries choosing to use PII for any library-related purpose other than for which the PII was gathered should consider the following standard "opt-in" practices:
- Notice should be provided to all users of any library use of PII.
- Any use of PII beyond circulation or administration should be authorized only on an opt-in basis. At the time of registration, users should be asked to opt-in to additional and specifically enumerated uses of their PII (e.g., for fund-raising appeals). The PII of those who decline to 'opt-in' should not be made available for any additional uses.
- Any time a library decides to extend use of PII in ways not already authorized, it must seek user opt-in. Libraries should presume that all non-responders wish to opt out of the new use.
22. Does the library's responsibility for user privacy and confidentiality extend to licenses and agreements with outside vendors and contractors?
Most libraries conduct business with a variety of vendors in order to provide access to electronic resources, to acquire and run their automated systems, and in some instances, to offer remote storage (e.g. "cloud computing) or to enable access to the Internet. Libraries need to ensure that contracts and licenses reflect their policies and legal obligations concerning user privacy and confidentiality. Whenever a third party has access to personally identifiable information (PII), the agreements need to address appropriate restrictions on the use, aggregation, dissemination, and sale of that information, particularly information about minors. In circumstances in which there is a risk that PII may be disclosed, the library should warn its users.
23. How does the library's responsibility for user privacy and confidentiality relate to the use by library users of third party services in accessing their own circulation records?
Free third-party services are now available that remind library users of due dates and circulation fines via e-mail or RSS feeds. Libraries should advise users about the risks associated with providing library card numbers, passwords, or other library account information to any third party. These risks include changes in the privacy policies of the third-party service without customer notification and disclosure of the user's library circulation records or other personally identifiable information, whether such disclosure is inadvertent or purposeful. Third parties are not bound by library confidentiality statutes or other laws protecting the privacy of user records. For these reasons, neither the library nor the library user can be certain that confidentiality will be adequately protected.
III. Security Concerns
24. Will privacy policies create a situation that will protect illegal acts?
All libraries are advised to have in place patron behavior policies as well as Internet use policies. In both instances it should be clearly stated that engaging in any illegal act will not be permitted. A possible policy statement could be:
Any activity or conduct that is in violation of federal, state, or local laws is strictly prohibited on library premises.
Clear evidence of illegal behavior is best referred to law enforcement who know the processes of investigation that protect the rights of the accused.
25. What about security? Shouldn't priority be given to the legitimate needs of security personnel who are responsible for protecting the physical safety of users and staff? What about the needs of systems personnel to ensure security of computers and networks?
Those responsible for maintaining the security of the library, its users, staff, collections, computing equipment and networks all have a special obligation to recognize when they may be dealing with sensitive or private information. Like other staff whose jobs are not direct library service (principals, teachers and other educators, custodians, guards, etc.), those with access to personally identifiable information (PII) or to users' personal files need to be informed of library ethics and of job expectations that they will not abuse confidentiality.
It is the responsibility of library staff to destroy information in confidential or privacy protected records in order to protect from unauthorized disclosure. Information that should be regularly purged or shredded includes PII on library resource use, material circulation history, and security / surveillance tapes and logs. Libraries that use surveillance cameras should have written policies stating that the cameras are not to be used for anything else to avoid "function creep." If the cameras create any records, the library must recognize its responsibility to protect their confidentiality like any other library record. This is best accomplished by purging the records as soon as their purpose is served.
26. Should staff be instructed to monitor library use to determine inappropriate or illegal behavior by users?
Library patron behavior policies and Internet use policies, should clearly state that illegal activity is prohibited. Staff should be trained carefully to deal with any illegal patron behavior that is apparent to them or has been brought to their attention. General monitoring by staff of the content or use of library materials and resources in any format by patrons is inappropriate in all instances with the exception of observation for the purposes of protecting library property. Patron Behavior and Internet Use policies should clearly state all of the steps to be taken by staff when illegal behavior or activity in violation of the above policies is observed. The steps in these guidelines will vary from library to library and should be determined locally. Once again, clear evidence of illegal behavior is best referred to law enforcement who know the processes of investigation that protect the rights of the accused.
27. What if law enforcement requests disclosure of library records? What if laws applicable to my library require the disclosure of some or all library records or other personally identifiable information without a court order?
Library policies must not violate applicable federal, state, and local laws. However, In accordance with Article IV of the "Library Bill of Rights," librarians should oppose the adoption of laws that abridge the privacy rights of any library user.
Forty-eight states have statutes that protect the confidentiality of library records. The other two have attorneys' general opinions that support the confidentiality of library records. For your state statute or opinion, see "State Privacy Laws regarding Library Records."
Library policy should require that law enforcement requests for any library record be issued by a court of competent jurisdiction that shows good cause and is in proper form. See ALA's documents, "Suggested Procedures for Implementing Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records,"and "Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records." The library governing authority needs to be aware that privacy, and especially the privacy of children and students may be governed by additional state and federal laws. For example, on April 21, 2000, a new Federal law, the "Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)," went into effect. This law, designed to protect children's privacy on the Internet, directly impacts how children access Internet content.
When creating its privacy policies, library and educational institution governing authorities need to be fully aware of any such laws regarding disclosure and the rights of parents, and create policies accordingly. Faculty and school administrators do not have parental authority over students' privacy.
28. My local police department has asked us to voluntarily install "sniffer software" or another kind of spyware on our library computers. What are the implications?
"Sniffer software" are programs that monitor online activity and, once triggered by the use of key words and phrases, can record an online transaction in its entirety. Spyware are programs that record all activity on a computer, such as key-loggers. The records generated by these programs can then be stored for future reference. Even if records are not released unless a law enforcement agency gets a court order, the privacy implications of such a program are significant and serious. First, installing this software in the absence of a court order or patron consent may violate the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). Second, the records created by these programs are records of library use, and like all other library user records, are subject to state library confidentiality statutes. Third, a library's mission is to provide access to information, not to serve as a surveillance outpost for law enforcement. Just as we do not keep a history of who checked out library materials (see "Resolution on the Retention of Library Usage Records" 2006), we should not collect and store information from our patrons' online activities.
29. Do library staff have a civic duty to help law enforcement?
If staff observe illegal behavior, this should be reported to law enforcement. A library should have clear, written procedures for responding to criminal behavior, in addition to behavior that violates policy. Neither libraries, their resources, nor their staff should be used in any scheme to elicit and catch criminal behavior.
In the event of a request for information from a federal or local law enforcement agency, librarians should consult with their library administration and/or legal counsel before complying with such requests. Librarians should note that requests made under "The USA PATRIOT Act," must come from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and are not valid if coming from state agencies. If a librarian is compelled to release information, further breaches of patron confidentiality will be minimized if the librarian personally retrieves the requested information and supplies it to the law enforcement agency. Otherwise, allowing the law enforcement agency to perform its own retrieval may compromise confidential information that is not subject to the current request.
Library policies protecting patron privacy and confidentiality are grounded in the profession's ethical commitment to providing an atmosphere conducive to free intellectual inquiry. We must always remember that we have a unique and important contribution to make to society through this protection, and that as such we have a duty to make it a priority.
30. Are video or electronic surveillance cameras in libraries a violation of user privacy?
Today's sophisticated high-resolution surveillance equipment is capable of recording patron reading and viewing habits in ways that are as revealing as the written circulation records libraries routinely protect. When a library considers installing surveillance equipment, the administrative necessity of doing so must be weighed against the fact that most of the activity being recorded is innocent and harmless. Any records kept may be subject to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. Since any such personal information is sensitive and has the potential to be used inappropriately in the wrong hands, gathering surveillance data has serious implications for library management and school administrators.
If the library decides surveillance is necessary, it is essential for the library to develop and enforce strong policies protecting patron privacy and confidentiality appropriate to managing the equipment, including routine destruction of the tapes in the briefest amount of time possible, or as soon as permitted by law.
Such policies should state that the cameras are to be used only for the narrow purpose of enhancing the physical security of the library, its property, staff and patrons.
Policies should also include protocols for posting signs or giving notice about the presence of surveillance cameras; storing of videotapes and other digital images in a secure location; and routine destruction of tapes or images in the briefest amount of time possible, or as soon as permitted by law. If the cameras create any records, the library must recognize its responsibility to protect their confidentiality like any other library record. In addition, some state laws indicate that libraries shall not disclose any information that identifies a person as having used a library or a library service, even if that information is not in the form of a "record." Protecting patron confidentiality is best accomplished by purging the records or images as soon as their purpose is served.
Concerned about increasing school violence, some K-12 schools have installed security cameras in areas where no reasonable expectation of privacy may be expected. This includes computer labs, hallways, cafeterias, and playgrounds. Unfortunately, surveillance equipment has also been installed in some school libraries. It is important that the resulting video is securely handled and that use is based on board approved policy
31. If the library has experienced theft, vandalism, or other suspected criminal activity, may librarians voluntarily supply surveillance camera images to law enforcement?
When library personnel believe that surveillance cameras have recorded evidence of a crime, they should preserve those images and turn them over to the library director or the library's legal counsel, who can then turn over the images to law enforcement in accordance with the law, especially if the images might reveal information about a person's use of specific library resources. Such images may be protected by state library confidentiality laws that prohibit the disclosure of information about a person's use of library materials without a court order.
As a legal matter, libraries may voluntarily disclose surveillance camera images to law enforcement if the images do not reveal any person's use of specific library materials or resources. The decision to disclose surveillance camera images should be made by the library's director in consultation with the library's legal counsel. When state law requires the police to obtain a court order before viewing or copying protected library records, the library can extend cooperation by identifying relevant records and preserving those records until a court order is served on the library.
IV. Minors' Privacy Rights
32. Are privacy rights of minors the same as those of adults? What information about a minor's use of the library should be kept confidential and what may be released to parents?
The rights of minors vary from state to state. In particular, a minor's right to keep his or her library records private will be governed by a state's library confidentiality statute. Libraries may wish to consult the legal counsel of their governing authorities to ensure that policy and practice are in accord with applicable law. In addition, the legal responsibilities and standing of library staff in regard to minor patrons differ substantially in school and public libraries.
In public libraries, parental responsibility is key to a minor's use of the library. Notifying parents about the library's privacy and confidentiality policies should be a part of the process of issuing library cards to minors. In some public libraries, the privacy rights of minors may differ slightly from those of adults, often in proportion to the age of the minor. The legitimate concerns for the safety of children in a public place can be addressed without unnecessary invasion of minors' privacy while using the library.
Parents are responsible not only for the choices their minor children make concerning the selection of materials and the use of library facilities and resources, but also for communicating with their children about those choices. Librarians should not breach a child's confidentiality by giving out information readily available to the parent from the child directly. Libraries should take great care to limit the extenuating circumstances in which they will release such information.
The rights of minors to privacy regarding their choice of library materials should be respected and protected. "Minors and Internet Activity: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights," asserts minors' right to interact with, create, and share information on the Internet as extensions of their First Amendment rights. The statement also acknowledges that use of interactive Web 2.0 tools requires the balancing of two competing intellectual freedom priorities — preservation of minors' privacy and the right of free speech.
33. How does the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affect minors' library records in K-12 schools?
As with academic libraries, "The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act," 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, (FERPA) controls disclosure of a student's educational records and information. It requires educational institutions to adopt policies that permit parents of minor children to inspect and correct their educational records. It also prohibits disclosure of a student's records without the parents' written permission.
The Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO), a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the federal office charged with overseeing and enforcing FERPA. According to FPCO, any record maintained by an educational institution directly related to a student, in any format, that allows the student to be identified from the information contained in it, is considered an "educational record." Analysts within FPCO have issued guidance stating that library circulation records and similar records maintained by a school library are "educational records" under FERPA.
Though FERPA generally requires institutions to protect the privacy of educational records, it contains many exceptions that allow disclosure of a student's educational records without a parent's or student's consent or permission. For example, FERPA permits educational institutions to release information contained in a student's records to any school official who has a "legitimate educational interest" in the records; to appropriate public officials in health and safety emergencies; and to courts and law enforcement agencies in response to a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. FERPA also permits educational institutions to disclose information about international students to the Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau.
FERPA thus permits disclosure when state library confidentiality statutes and professional ethics would otherwise prohibit the disclosure of library records. FERPA, however, does not require the institution to disclose records under these circumstances, nor does FERPA require institutions to create or maintain particular records.
State library confidentiality laws may apply to K-12 libraries as well as public libraries, and may impose additional duties to protect students' library records that go beyond FERPA's requirements/permissions. Therefore, school libraries may therefore draw upon professional ethics and intellectual freedom principles to craft policies that extend additional privacy protection to students' library records; adopt record retention policies that protect students' confidentiality; and, where applicable, incorporate state law protections for students' library records.
34. How can the confidentiality of minors' library records be protected in school libraries?
Each school library should have a privacy policy outlining how students' library records are protected and under what circumstances they may be released and to whom. To do less is to leave the school librarian uncertain about the legal course of action and in a weaker position to respond to requests for release of library records. The privacy policy should reference and incorporate the state library confidentiality law and also incorporate FERPA guidelines.
The policy should also reference American Library Association and American Association of School Librarians policy statements related to protecting minors' privacy rights in libraries. The Code of Ethics, states in Article III, "We protect each library users' right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted." The American Association of School Librarians' "Position Statement on the Confidentiality of Library Records" expresses this concept, "The library community recognizes that children and youth have the same rights to privacy as adults." These documents provide an ethical defense for school librarians defending minors' privacy in a school library.
After the privacy policy has been approved by the school's governing body, it should be disseminated to school staff, students, and parents. Minors' privacy and the confidentiality of their records will be better protected when school employees and the community understand the laws involved.
In addition to an official privacy policy, school libraries should also have a records retention policy detailing the types of records maintained, the length of retention, and a schedule for their destruction. Minors' records are best protected when minimal library records are maintained for the shortest period possible.
[1] In a June 2010 decision, City of Ontario v. Quon, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the search of a police officer's personal messages on a government-owned pager, saying it did not violate his constitutional rights. The Supreme Court held that the warrantless search was not an unreasonable violation of the officer's 4th Amendment rights because it was motivated by legitimate work-related purposes. In all cases, what constitutes a reasonable search is a question of fact that will be determined by the circumstances of each search.


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Pars scared off by the Terrors
Dundee United boosted their European hopes with a 3-0 win over relegation-threatened Dunfermline in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
Jon Daly took his tally to 20 for the season with a double as the Tannadice side moved level on points with fourth-placed St Johnstone, who play Celtic on Sunday.
Scott Robertson was also on target against the Pars, who remain rooted to the foot of the table three points behind Hibernian.
United manager Peter Houston was without the injured Keith Watson and he was replaced by Robbie Neilson.
Czech striker Milos Lacny was also missing after suffering a cruciate knee injury in training, but captain Daly recovered from a head knock to play.
Dunfermline boss Jim Jefferies made two changes to the side that drew with St Mirren last weekend.
Kevin Rutkiewicz and Andy Kirk came in at the expense of David Graham and Liam Buchanan. New Spanish goalkeeper Bernardo Dominguez was missing from the squad.
The form of these two sides could not have been more different going into this vital clash.
United were looking to stretch their unbeaten run to nine SPL games, having recently racked up five successive wins, while Dunfermline - with just four wins all season - last celebrated a three-point haul back in January.
Jon Daly diverted Paul Dixon's cross wide inside 90 seconds as United started on top.
Home defender Gavin Gunning then stepped out of defence and sent a long-range drive fizzing past the post.
United kept pressing and Pars goalkeeper Chris Smith survived a scare in the 14th minute when his weak punch landed at Dixon.
The full-back's first-time shot came through a sea of bodies and landed on the wrong side of the post.
Less than a minute later, Neilson should have fired United ahead but he blazed over from six yards after being picked out by Gary Mackay-Steven.
Rutkiewicz earned the first booking in the 24th minute for a handball just outside the box but United made nothing of the free-kick.
The Pars weathered the United storm and finally managed to string some passes together.
They could even have taken the lead on 32 minutes but Alex Keddie's header from Joe Cardle's free-kick soared over.
That seemed to rouse United and Dunfermline goalkeeper Smith saved Mackay-Steven's 20-yard drive.
United began the second half with renewed enthusiasm and took the lead on 49 minutes.
Dunfermline failed to deal with Neilson's long throw-in and Daly's superb volley flew past Smith.
The Pars brought on Graham for Jordan McMillan in 64 minutes as they chased an equaliser.
But United almost grabbed a second when Johnny Russell headed Dixon's cross over.
Joe Cardle then threatened with a curling shot but Pernis had it well covered.
Robertson secured the points for Dundee United 10 minutes from time when he converted Mackay-Steven's cross after some great wing play.
And Daly rounded off the scoring in the closing stages when he pounced on Russell's pass to easily convert from close range.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG

subset: commoncrawl


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I'll just say it flat out: This vicious reward is subpar. The concept is interesting, but resists are suited to a brawler while damage on kills is much more of a striker ability. To show you this isn't baseless, let's compare it to the other rewards:
Namtar's Ward: I love it. This prep is great for all classes, but especially rogues and berserkers. I prep it for most of my normal and hard runs.
Dragon Shield: Great. Probably the best prep in the game tied with the Tri-Sword. It depends on the class build.
Naga City: It's undecided. I won't compare.
I think the item needs to be much more focused in. It is mediocre for two types to builds, but good (in comparison to other preps) for none. I literally have never had a reason to prep it. Not to mention it's tied for most expensive locker item. Right what the vicious items cover are brawler (Dragon Shield), spellcaster (one of the two Naga City items), and general (Namtar's Ward, although it leans striker). We should focus the symbol on its striker side. I think just replacing the resists with +6 or so base damage. Then I'd definitely prep it.
What does everyone think?


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O.G pawnograffiti wrote:breezer_79 wrote:....but I thought you were from Perth??
OH Snap, good call breezer_79. If there's 2 places in Australia that are alienated it's Perth and Darwin.... Actually Perth should apply to be ruled under the South African government... it's just a logistical nightmare for Canberra to run that backwards state out West (mind you Migya thanks for all the money your state brings in for mining... it makes our countries balance sheet look a lot more impressive for foreign investors)
With that last sentence you just showed which part of the country is backwards
Good to be away from all the arrogant retards that come around from the East


text:
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Buffalo Bills
Buffalo has long-running problems in their scouting department, and this draft didn't change that image. Let's start with the good stuff. The selection of running back C.J. Spiller at No. 9 was the perfect antidote to an offense without playmakers. The draft went off the rails afterward.
Where's the quarterback? Buffalo waited until the seventh round to take a developmental pick in Levi Brown from Troy. The Bills have to sell their fans on Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick for another year.
Where's the offensive line help? With only a fifth-round pick added (Ed Wang), perhaps the worst group in football hasn't improved all offseason. A lot of energy was spent on picks for the team's transition to a 3-4 defense (DT Torrell Troup, DE Alex Carrington). We're unconvinced this transition is worth the trouble for their group of players. This team had too many needs to fill them all, but it doesn't look like a franchise with a plan.
Grade: D+
Miami Dolphins
A savvy trade down from No. 12 to 28 allowed the Dolphins to recoup assets given up in the Brandon Marshall trade. First-round defensive end Jared Odrick was one of our favorite players available. He's a safe, smart pick. Miami can play more four man fronts with him in the mix. After that, the Dolphins took massive, lunch pail grinders that won't make headlines. They believe in building strengths and that did that on the defensive line.
When you include Marshall in the mix, this was a rock solid draft.
Grade: B
New England Patriots
The team finally rebuilt their sagging linebacker group. Inside linebacker Brandon Spikes could be the next Tedy Bruschi. The Patriots will be happy if he's the next Ted Johnson. Wideout Taylor Price was a sticky-fingered steal in the third round. New England got the two values at tight end in the draft in Rob Gronkowski (second round) and Aaron Hernandez (fourth round.) Bill Belichick hopes first-round cornerback Devin McCourty does better than their recent picks at cornerback.
Overall, the Patriots selected four players in the first two rounds and have an extra first- and second-round pick next year too. They also led the league in former Gator draft picks. That has to be worth something.
Grade: A-
New York Jets
The Jets have a history of targeting specific players and trading up. They've done well with it. They deserve the benefit of the doubt in this regard, which saves their grade. We hate the Leon Washington trade. They wasted resources to get a low-rent replacement for him (USC running back Joe McKnight) and took a fullback with the pick they got for Washington. First-round cornerback Kyle Wilson will fit right in, and offensive line coach Bill Callahan will make second-round pick Vlad Ducasse a keeper. Santonio Holmes was a steal for a fifth-round pick.
Still, the Jets didn't address their defensive line, which is old. This was an uneven draft made by a team that thinks it is only a few pieces away from a title. That's a dangerous approach.
Grade: B-
Baltimore Ravens
G.M. Ozzie Newsome is always happy to take talent that drops because of perceived shortcomings. Sergio Kindle could be the next great Ravens linebacker and only cost a second-round pick. His slide reminds us of Todd Heap's fall in 2001.
"Mount" Terrance Cody found the perfect home in the late second round. The Ravens will use the Alabama product as a rotational player to help their rush defense. The rest of the collegiate picks were sensible, and the team smartly used two mid-round picks to acquire Anquan Boldin earlier in the offseason. Baltimore got those picks back by extracting a bounty from Denver in the Tim Tebow trade. These pieces help make Baltimore a Super Bowl contender, though we're still worried about their secondary.
Grade: A
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are the guy at your fantasy draft that takes boom-or-bust players with every single pick. Most of the Bengals picks are swing for the fences picks. That approach sometimes results in a lot of strikeouts.
First-round tight end Jermaine Gresham fills a huge need, but has some injury concerns. We still like the pick. Second-round defensive end Carlos Dunlap's talent isn't worth his trouble. It's telling that Urban Meyer's buddy Bill Belichick wanted no part of him. Third-round wideout Jordan Shipley is a similar player to current Bengal Andre Caldwell. They needed an outside speed receiver. It's not good when Antonio Bryant is their best option. Defenders Brandon Ghee (cornerback) and Geno Atkins (defensive tackle) were good middle-round picks, but the Bengals didn't address a safety need.
Grade: C+
Cleveland Browns
Mike Holmgren is getting a lot of love because he's nice to the media, but we're not buying him as a genius team president just yet. He's taken half measures at the quarterback position, and still doesn't have a quality quarterback of the future after taking Colt McCoy in the third round. Cornerback Joe Haden isn't the type of difference-maker you look for at No. 7.
Running back Montario Hardesty is a nice second-round complement to Jerome Harrison. Safety T.J. Ward looks like a reach early in the second round, and the team didn't address their glaring lack of a pass rush. The front seven on Cleveland's defense should have been a priority, but they continued to stock up in the secondary with Larry Asante, another safety in the fifth round. Carlton Mitchell could be a sleeper in the sixth around at receiver. This wasn't a draft to restart a franchise.
Grade: C+
Pittsburgh Steelers
Center Maurkice Pouncey in the first round was perhaps the most predictable pick outside of the top four overall selections. He can help the team immediately by moving to guard. Pittsburgh is the best at identifying players to convert to outside linebackers, so we like the chances of second rounder Jason Worilds and fourth-round pick Thaddeus Gibson. Running back Jonathan Dwyer is a bruiser that was a great value in the sixth round.
This is an organization that doesn't value cornerbacks that highly, but the Steelers still need secondary help. That said, the Steelers have a philosophy and stick to it. It's hard to argue with what works.
Grade: B
Houston Texans
We think they wanted running back Ryan Mathews in the first round, but the Chargers made sure he didn't reach them. Second-round running back Ben Tate has a lot of pressure to perform right away. He's a one-cut power runner who fits Houston's system. We're not sure he's that special.
In the first round, the Texans went with consistency over flash when they picked Kareem Jackson over Kyle Wilson. We were surprised they didn't address the secondary again until fifth-round cornerback Sherrick McManis. This team will struggle in pass coverage.
Our favorite value pick was linebacker Darryl Sharpton in the fourth round. Houston has a knack for finding instinctive linebackers and he could develop into a nice starter. Fifth-round tight end Garrett Graham could be an Owen Daniels clone. Texans G.M. Rick Smith has done an underrated job in Houston. This draft continues that trend.
Grade: B
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts prove you can eschew trading altogether and nail the draft. Really, what's there to say about Bill Polian's picks? They always surprise, and usually turn out great. No G.M. is better at finding players to fit his system. TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes was one of our favorite values at No. 31 overall. He'll pick up where Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney leave off in a few years. Second-round linebacker Pat Angerer has great instincts without being overly athletic. He's a little bit of a departure from their usual profile.
Indianapolis continued to add bulk to their offensive line with fourth-round guard Jacques McClendon. Third-round cornerback Kevin Thomas is a perfect fit for the Colts' zone schemes. This wasn't a flashy draft, which is just how Polian likes it.
Grade: A-
Jacksonville Jaguars
Let's all give G.M. Gene Smith a break. He had a very unique draft board and made some shocking moves and picks last year. He nailed the '09 draft. That he thinks differently than the rest of the league may be an asset.
No. 10 overall pick Tyson Alualu was the stunner of the draft. The team should have been able to trade back, but we have a feeling Alualu will prove people wrong. The Jaguars were unable to trade defensive tackle John Henderson, which could lead to further issues. Grabbing Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison for a fifth-round pick was a smart way to bolster a shaky linebacker group. Jacksonville had only one pick between rounds two and four and took a defensive tackle — D'Anthony Smith. We would have liked to see better firepower added to a vanilla offense.
Grade: B-
Tennessee Titans
The first round didn't go as Tennessee hoped. We heard they wanted Brandon Graham or Jason Pierre-Paul, but both pass rushers were taken just before they picked. Derrick Morgan was a solid consolation prize at No. 16 and the Titans know how to coach up defensive linemen. Tennessee gave away LenDale White, which may be addition by subtraction in the locker room. Myron Rolle adds mid-round competence for a sixth-round price at safety late in the draft.
We like third-round receiver Damian Williams' value, but the position wasn't a huge need for the team. They didn't address their linebacker problem until late in the third round (Rennie Curran) and their second-round pick was used in last year's Jared Cook trade. We don't think this draft made the Titans much better.
Grade: C+
Denver Broncos
Tim Tebow couldn't have picked a better spot. He has a chance to be a quality starter with Josh McDaniels on his side, but we're not convinced Tebow was worth the trouble. McDaniels can coach up quarterbacks (Matt Cassel, Kyle Orton), so why make such an investment for a project?
Still, Denver didn't give up that much to get Tebow. They played the draft board well and got guys they wanted in Tebow and wideout Demaryius Thomas. We think they'll regret ignoring the defensive front seven, which remains old and lacks difference-makers.
Grade: C+
Kansas City Chiefs
This is starting to look like a Scott Pioli team. Kansas City drafted a collection of versatile, tough, smart players who love football. The defense now has an identity, with one of the league's best groups of young defensive backs led by No. 5 overall pick Eric Berry, emerging star Brandon Flowers, and second-round cornerback Javier Arenas.
The offense has an identity with a strong backfield, and now a playmaking hybrid wideout/running back in second round pick Dexter McCluster. No. 36 overall was early for such a small player, but Charlie Weis will know how to use him. This team still needs a pass rush, but their offensive tackle spot wasn't as desperate a need as people thought. The Chiefs are on the rise.
Grade: A-
Oakland Raiders
The beauty of low expectations. The Raiders impressed by filling needs with safe, smart players in the first two rounds. Linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive tackle will help the Raiders defense show more multiple looks and stop the run. Tackle Bruce Campbell and wideout Jacoby Ford were typical Underwear Olympic champions, but they were taken in the fourth round, not the first. That's the place to gamble.
Still, the Raiders draft will be defined by a trade. They found a competing starting quarterback in Jason Campbell for cheap and gave up on JaMarcus Russell. That alone is worth an A.
Grade: A
San Diego Chargers
San Diego is still paying for the mistake of bringing back LaDainian Tomlinson last year. They had to overpay to move up for Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews to fill a starting job. You never want to go into a draft with a glaring need like that.
Still, Mathews should be a great fit for Norv Turner's offense. Tomlinson was the problem last year, not the offensive line or play calling. The Chargers also traded up to get defensive tackle Cam Thomas and linebacker Donald Thomas. All these moves remind us of San Diego's trade up of safety Eric Weddle a few years back. When you make such moves, you better be right. G.M. A.J. Smith needs a big draft after some so-so years. The rest of the AFC West may be catching up.
Grade: B-
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys made an aggressive, high-upside move to trade up for Dez Bryant, securing a top-10 talent who will upgrade the team's punt return unit and probably beat out Roy Williams to start at split end. Second-round pick Sean Lee is Keith Brooking's eventual successor at inside linebacker.
Fourth-round pick Akwasi Owusu-Ansah certainly does not lack the potential or talent to cure Dallas' woes at free safety. He runs a 4.33 40 and was a dominant small-school defensive back with plus value as a return specialist. Sixth-rounder Sam Young is a right tackle only, which won't help his bid to make the final roster. Jamar Wall, a cornerback from Texas Tech, was a poor cover man in the Big 12. Seventh-round DE Sean Lissemore from William & Mary is a developmental project.
The Cowboys' draft was highly impressive at the top, if unspectacular at the bottom. Still, there's no doubt that they landed elite talents and are a much better team now.
Grade: B+
New York Giants
Missing out on Rolando McClain and C.J. Spiller in the first round, Giants GM Jerry Reese elected to swing for the fences. Each of his first three picks -- Jason Pierre-Paul, Linval Joseph, Chad Jones -- are dominant physical specimens with high ceilings. None of the trio is likely to start in 2010, but that says more about the talent already on New York's roster than the rookies' abilities.
Fourth-round inside linebacker Phillip Dillard, fifth-round guard Mitch Petrus, and seventh-round punter Matt Dodge were all safe picks at positions of weakness. Sixth-round pass rusher Adrian Tracy was an unstoppable force at the D-IAA level and projects as situational help in the nickel defense down the road.
The Giants remain unsettled at middle linebacker, but their dynamite front four should make everyone playing behind it better. Reese remains one of the most skilled drafters around.
Grade: B+
Philadelphia Eagles
The Birds had a whopping 13 picks and emerged from the draft with just one likely Week 1 starter (South Florida free safety Nate Allen), but were executioners when it came to selecting scheme fits. No. 13 overall pick Brandon Graham, third-rounder Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, and fifth-round steal Ricky Sapp are relentless pass rushers and will fit right into aggressive defensive coordinator Sean McDermott's pressure-based system.
A skilled press corner, Trevard Lindley can cover man-to-man as all defensive backs must do for McDermott. Fellow fourth-rounder Keenan Clayton projects as a highly productive special teamer and cover linebacker on nickel downs. No. 122 overall pick Mike Kafka possesses the requisite tools for a West Coast quarterback, and No. 125 selection Clay Harbor is an intriguing H-back prospect. Riley Cooper and Charles Scott should make Hank Baskett and Eldra Buckley expendable. Jamar Chaney was a robbery in the seventh. It wouldn't be surprising if he developed into a starting-capable middle linebacker.
The Eagles wrapped up with hulking defensive tackle Jeff Owens and gunner candidate Kurt Coleman at Nos. 203 and 204. Shockingly, Andy Reid didn't pick a single offensive lineman. But the value was good at each selection, and Graham and Allen are certain to help in year one.
Grade: B
Washington Redskins
Lacking picks in rounds two, three, and five, and unable to work an Albert Haynesworth trade, the 'Skins made just one selection on the first two days of the draft. No. 4 overall choice Trent Williams is an ideal fit at left tackle in Washington's zone-blocking scheme, and shores up a huge weak spot.
After "resting" Friday, the Redskins came back Saturday to draft Perry Riley, who wasn't even the best linebacker at LSU last season. H-back Dennis Morris was the next head scratcher, coming at a position of strength and as a product of Louisiana Tech's spread system. Terrence Austin isn't going to help on offense, while fellow seventh-rounders Selvish Capers and Erik Cook will push for roster spots at guard and center.
Naturally, the Skins are going to get a low grade because they were so short on picks. But big question marks remain across the roster, and Washington didn't draft a single quarterback. Mike Shanahan had better work some serious magic this offseason.
Grade: C-
Chicago Bears
The Bears patiently waited two and a half rounds to make their first selection, and used it on an immediate impact player in Florida's Major Wright. He can play both safety positions and, at worst, help on special teams. Local favorite Corey Wootton of Northwestern was an incredible value in the fourth round.
Kansas State cornerback Joshua Moore, Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour, and West Texas A&M offensive lineman J'Marcus Webb, however, lack NFL-caliber talent. The Bears were handicapped from the get-go in the draft, but they could've used their later-round picks more wisely.
LeFevour just doesn't have arm strength for deep throws, which is a huge detriment to his chances in a vertical scheme like Mike Martz's. The Wright and Wootton picks were very good, but there isn't a single surefire starter in this haul.
Grade: C
Detroit Lions
GM Martin Mayhew delivered the draft's consensus top overall player in No. 2 pick Ndamukong Suh to Detroit, and stayed hot throughout the weekend. No. 30 overall pick Jahvid Best did require a trade up, but adds dynamite play-making ability to a Lions offense that is suddenly dangerous.
Amari Spievey was a steal at the top of round three, and probably will start day one across from Chris Houston. Spievey was one of the nation's most physical cornerbacks at Iowa. Fourth-rounder Jason Fox projects as an immediate upgrade at swing tackle, and may begin pushing for Gosder Cherilus' starting job on the right side sooner than later. Productive North Carolina State defensive end Willie Young lacks ideal quick-twitch burst, which is why he was available in round seven. Mr. Irrelevant Tim Toone is a burner from Weber State.
The Lions didn't have a single pick in rounds five or six, but came away with at least three instant impact players. They're no longer the heavy favorites to repeat as the NFC North's bottom dwellers.
Grade: A
Green Bay Packers
Sitting tight at the No. 23 overall pick, GM Ted Thompson intercepted surprise first-day faller Bryan Bulaga in round one. Though Bulaga's short arms and lack of elite upside ultimately hurt his stock, he was an incredible value and is ready-made for Green Bay's zone-blocking scheme after playing in a similar system under Kirk Ferentz at Iowa.
Second-round pick Mike Neal, a defensive tackle at Purdue, will have to learn to two-gap in Green Bay's 3-4 defense. He was a bit of a reach at No. 56 overall. Third-round safety Morgan Burnett is a ballhawk in the back end and was worth trading up for, particularly with division rival Chicago up one pick later and ready to pounce on the gifted free safety. Andrew Quarless is a rock-solid tight end, fellow fifth-rounder Marshall Newhouse is highly athletic, sixth-round pick James Starks was an explosive all-purpose tailback in Buffalo's spread offense, and seventh-rounder C.J. Wilson has five-technique size.
Thompson never fails to impress on draft day. If not for the relative reach on Neal, this class would flirt with an A grade.
Grade: B
Minnesota Vikings
We usually love GM Rick Spielman's drafts, but this one left a lot to be desired. The Vikings got burned by gambling that Florida State cornerback Patrick Robinson would still be available at No. 34 when they traded out of the 30th spot. Robinson went 32nd overall to New Orleans, forcing Spielman to reach for injury-prone Virginia defensive back Chris Cook at No. 34. 51st overall pick Toby Gerhart is valuable insurance behind Adrian Peterson, but doesn't fill Minnesota's need at third-down back.
In terms of value, surprise fourth-rounder Everson Griffen was the gem of Spielman's class. Wake Forest guard Chris DeGeare does fit the Vikings' power-blocking system, but fellow fifth-rounder Nate Triplett and seventh-round linebacker Ryan D'Imperio will be special teamers at best. In between those two picks, Spielman drafted a quarterback-turned-wideout in UAB's Joe Webb and blocking tight end Mickey Shuler.
This draft class didn't deliver many play-makers. Brett Favre had better come back.
Grade: D+
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons reached for Sean Weatherspoon and pedestrian defensive tackle Corey Peters with their first two selections. Weatherspoon is a safe bet to be a long-term starter, but non-rush linebackers are rarely worth top-20 overall picks. Peters lacks difference-making ability.
Late third-rounder Mike Johnson is probably a future starter at offensive guard, while versatile guard/center Joe Hawley should be a valuable swing-type reserve. Oklahoma cornerback Dominique Franks was a value pick in round five. Converted quarterback Kerry Meier lacks ideal speed. Sixth-round pick Shann Schillinger of Montana wore an undrafted free agent grade and will only contribute on special teams.
GM Thomas Dimitroff deserves the benefit of the doubt because he's been quite successful in building up Atlanta's roster to this point, but there isn't much to get excited about here. We're not sure the team significantly improved during the draft.
Grade: C-
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers made up for lacking a first-round pick by ending Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen's free fall at No. 48 overall. Clausen is likely the team's quarterback of the future. Third-round receiver Brandon LaFell projects as a high-scoring, chain-moving pro and will help immediately opposite Steve Smith.
Carolina took something of a nose dive from there. Trading a 2011 second-round pick to move up for Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards was a completely ill-advised move by GM Marty Hurney. Edwards was a projected seventh-round pick to undrafted free agent. Eric Norwood and Greg Hardy were effective college pass rushers, but Norwood is an odd fit in Carolina's 4-3 defense and Hardy is a boom-or-bust prospect. Sixth-round wideout David Gettis is practice squad material, while fellow late-rounders Jordan Pugh, R.J. Stanford, and Robert McClain are project-type defensive backs. Tony Pike was a good value at No. 204 overall.
The Clausen, LaFell, and Hardy picks addressed needs and upgraded the Panthers' overall talent, but the trade up and future sacrifice for Edwards crushes the team's grade.
Grade: C-
New Orleans Saints
Florida State cornerback Patrick Robinson was a luxury pick at No. 32 overall, particularly with the Saints needing outside linebacker assistance and Daryl Washington still on the board. USC offensive tackle Charles Brown was easily the best available player at No. 64 overall, and may allow the Saints to part with Jammal Brown.
With Tony Gonzalez-like tools, we considered late third-round pick Jimmy Graham a second-round prospect. Though he's a poor bet to contribute in 2010, Graham possess the physical makeup to someday rank among the game's top pass-catching tight ends. Fourth-round nose tackle Al Woods is a big-time underachiever, but fifth-round center Matt Tennant is a technician with high football IQ. Seventh-round pick Sean Canfield gives coach Sean Payton a developmental passer with which to work.
The Saints didn't get the help at linebacker or outside rusher they so desperately needed, instead opting to add depth at positions that are already strong. Still, GM Mickey Loomis stayed true to his board, keeping New Orleans' draft grade afloat.
Grade: B-
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs used their first two picks on difference-making interior pass rushers after getting just one sack from incumbent "three-technique" defensive tackle Ryan Sims last season. Gerald McCoy and Brian Price give the team a foundation at the position for the next 10 years. Price, the 2009 Pac 10 Defensive Player of the Year, will probably end up at nose tackle, helping the team's pathetic run defense.
The attention then switched to offense. GM Mark Dominik ripped off two dynamic receiver talents in second-rounder Arrelious Benn and fourth-round pick Mike Williams, giving cannon-armed quarterback Josh Freeman a pair of chain-movers with dominant run-after-catch skills. With Sammie Stroughter in the slot, Benn at split end, and Williams on the flank, the Bucs can now field a potentially explosive attack. Dominik mixed in the selection of third-round size corner Myron Lewis, an underrated talent who will not struggle for year-one snaps. Late-round linebackers Cody Grimm and Dekoda Watson project as impact special teamers. Sixth-rounder Brent Bowden is the team's punter of the future. Stanford DE Erik Lorig probably won't make the roster.
Though we've never been fans of Dominik, he gave us reason for hope over the weekend. This was one of the league's better hauls.
Grade: A-
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals picked up a pair of immediate starters in the first two rounds, selecting projected top-15 pick Dan Williams at No. 26 overall and athletic inside linebacker Daryl Washington with the 47th selection. Both were value picks. Third-rounder Andre Roberts will remove some burden from new starting wideout Steve Breaston on punt returns.
Fourth- and fifth-round picks O'Brien Schofield (torn ACL, meniscus) and John Skelton won't contribute this season, but both offer high upside and starting-caliber ability down the road. Jorrick Calvin, a small-school corner with return value, and injury-prone Stanford TE Jim Dray will compete for roster spots.
The Cardinals improved over draft weekend, though trading Bryant McFadden to the Steelers only enhances the team's weakness at cornerback and they are still needy at offensive tackle. GM Rod Graves will need to get creative to fill the holes.
Grade: B
St. Louis Rams
After making Sam Bradford the No. 1 overall pick, a decision which will cost St. Louis close to $50 million guaranteed, Rams GM Billy Devaney avoided the temptation of drafting Arrelious Benn with the 33rd overall pick. Benn was believed to be higher on St. Louis' board than athletic offensive tackle Rodger Saffold, but Devaney smartly opted to protect his first-round investment. The Rams would go on to steal Mardy Gilyard at the top of round four. A borderline first-round talent, Gilyard was the Special Teams Player of the Year in the Big East as both a junior and senior, on top of being a first-team all-conference wideout.
Coach Steve Spagnuolo loves physical cornerbacks, and third-round pick Jerome Murphy fits the mold. St. Louis also did well to secure three late-round pass rushers in Hall Davis, Eugene Sims, and George Selvie. It would be better if they could combine tight ends Fendi Onobun and Michael Hoomanawanuii into one player. Onobun, a basketball power forward, can run fast. Hoomanawanuii is slow and strictly a blocker. Alabama defensive back Marquis Johnson didn't even start in college. Fellow seventh-rounder Josh Hull is a linebacker from Penn State, making him a solid pick.
We liked the Rams' top four picks, but didn't love the way they rounded out the draft, continuously passing on Anthony Dixon and Jonathan Dwyer. At some point, they're going to need to get a running back to help Steven Jackson.
Grade: B
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers' decision to trade up for Anthony Davis has been questioned, but what's most important is that San Francisco got its man. Davis will likely take over as the Niners' starting left tackle by 2011, with Joe Staley moving to the right side. Fellow first-round pick Mike Iupati will make Frank Gore's life a lot easier going forward.
Taylor Mays at 49th overall and sixth-round tailback Anthony Dixon were perhaps GM Trent Baalke's best picks. Mays will make Michael Lewis expendable while Dixon vies with Glen Coffee to be Gore's backup. Dixon is a thumping inside runner with underrated receiving skills. Third-round pick Navorro Bowman isn't a great scheme fit, but Nate Byham gives the Niners the blocking tight end they've desperately wanted. Sixth-round return man Kyle Williams and seventh-round defensive back Phillip Adams probably won't make the team.
Davis, Iupati, and Mays will be first-year starters. Though some of the team's later-round picks were uninspiring, the Niners are among the most improved teams in the league.
Grade: B+
Seattle Seahawks
The NFC West did work on draft weekend, and the Seahawks were a big reason why. Russell Okung, Earl Thomas, and Golden Tate will all be rookie starters and immediate impact players at positions of glaring need. Thomas and Tate, in particular, are game-changing talents and massive upgrades over Jamar Adams and Deion Branch.
Oregon cornerback Walter Thurmond III is coming off a devastating knee injury, but is a first-day talent when healthy and was worth a fourth-round flier. Defensive end E.J. Wilson and in-the-box safety Kam Chancellor project as role players only, but sixth-rounder Anthony McCoy is a well-rounded talent and will have a smooth transition after playing in coordinator Jeremy Bates' offense at USC last year. Dexter Davis is undersized, but can get to the passer. Jameson Konz's crazy physical abilities make him worth a seventh-round selection.
Assuming Charlie Whitehurst pays dividends, the Seahawks have enjoyed a highly productive offseason under first-year GM John Schneider and new head coach Pete Carroll. Things are looking up in Seattle.
Grade: B+


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Currently on tour with Letlive and Code Orange Kids, Andy Williams of Every Time I Die has been hard at work igniting sold-out crowds with his searing fretwork.
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In spite of anticipated deep budget cuts from both the State of Texas and the federal government, Texas AgriLife Research and Extension, as well as the Texas Forest Service and Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory — all part of the Texas A&M University System — will continue to serve the state's farmers, ranchers, landowners and consumers as they always have.
Mark Hussey, vice chancellor and dean, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, expects as much as a 16 percent budget reduction from the state and a possible 10 percent or greater cut in federal funding.
Along with Director of AgriLife Extension Ed Smith and Director of AgriLife Research Craig Nessler, Hussey recently discussed with Southwest Farm Press the challenges faced with budget reductions.
"These cuts will create challenges as we go forward," he says. "But the mission of (Texas A&M AgriLife) agriculture will stay the same and we will continue to fulfill that mission."
Hussey says he's working with all four divisions to find ways to streamline programs and increaseefficiency. "We're making certain we communicate with each other," and are looking for ways to cooperate "as we have always done. We will work to insure a minimal impact on food, feed and fiber production."
Hussey says reductions, insofar as possible, will be "across the board," instead of targeted to specific programs.
Nessler says some research programs may be re-examined to determine if they remain cost-effective and necessary for production agriculture in the state.
"We know we face a reduction in funding," Smith says. The options are to increase income or make cuts, but, "A tax increase is not expected."
He says absorbing deep cuts will affect operations but not the overall mission. "We can't absorb these cuts without hurting our infrastructure. And 90 percent of our budget goes to personnel."
He hopes to minimize personnel losses as much as possible by altering the way Extension delivers programs and services.
"We will request that some constituents pay a very modest fee for educational programs," Smith says. He emphasizes that fees will be "very modest," and will not come close to recouping the cost of an Extension seminar or conference. Those fees, he says, will help maintain the level of education programs to which farmers, ranchers and urban users have been accustomed.
Delivery systems to change
He says delivery systems also may change, especially for urban audiences. "We expect to use more technology to reach people. We will rely on the Web to provide information, and we will investigate opportunities to use communications and technology to be more effective and efficient."
Smith says combining some agricultural production meetings may also conserve resources. "We may combine two county production meetings, for instance. In rural areas, we will continue to work through traditional education platforms, meetings, etc.; we will just be more efficient."
Extension may rely on more volunteers to help accomplish its mission, he says.
Nessler says AgriLife Research may have funding opportunities not available to other agencies. "We have options to look for alternate funding to replace government reductions. We look for industry partners to help with research priorities."
It's not a new strategy; for example, Texas AgriLife research has worked through seed companies in the past to distribute varieties. And more recently, researchers have worked with energy companies to evaluate bioenergy sources and production techniques.
"We may use industry partners to move technology — germplasm, for instance — into the marketplace," Nessler says. Texas AgriLife researchers work with a lot of variety development, but "do not control all the traits producers want. We participate with corporate partners so producers will benefit."
Researchers will be working with industry on Texas problems and Texas solutions, but also on national and international efforts.
Nessler says the cooperative efforts allow AgriLife researchers to develop new products and systems with corporate support, while "retaining the credibility" that end users trust. "Everybody wins."
Reminding legislators of the importance of agriculture to the nation's economy and security and the crucial role agriculture research has played in increasing productivity and efficiency remains a challenge, he says.
"We can't allow others to dictate price and availability of essential commodities. That would be a big mistake. I hope legislators recognize the importance of supporting agricultural research and education."
Smith says he has a lot of faith and trust in legislators in Austin and Washington, and asks that they look at agricultural budget cuts fairly. "If we are treated fairly and equitably, we will not complain. We just don't want to be targeted with unwarranted cuts.
No fat left
"These are not the first cuts we've made — we had big cuts in 2003, so we have already taken all the fat out of our budgets."
He said he was not surprised at the proposed reductions. "But, it puts more stress on moving forward with things we are already doing. We are people- and service-oriented, so we will continue to do the best we can. We will still be Extension — our programs will not look much different."
Nessler says needs for agricultural research continue, despite budget shortfalls. Water issues are critical throughout much of Texas, he notes, and "We need research to keep agriculture viable with less water availability. We will continue to do the research we need, but we may not use as many research sites."
AgriLife Research and Extension will continue to work closely together—developing information and new products, disseminating it to users and then using information gathered from Extension to direct research to complete the circle.
"We conduct research the people want," Nessler says. "But, we also look long-term and conduct basic research for future needs."
Hussey says students "who want to make a difference," should consider agriculture. Apparently they are. "Our enrollment is up," he says.
Nessler says agriculture needs "the best and the brightest — we've always attracted them, but we need more. Agriculture is a way to help people." The late Norman Borlaug is a perfect example, he says. "He saved more lives than any medical research. Agriculture is a noble profession."
He says people involved in agriculture are, by nature, optimistic.
Government funding for agriculture is a sound investment, Hussey says, offering an "unbelievable 30 percent return on investment. That's a key message to our legislators. They also should remember that agriculture accounts for 9 percent of our gross domestic product and one in five jobs.
"Agriculture is extremely important to the Texas economy. We have to convey that message and continue to talk about the impact our programs have."
Other agricultural schools also face stiff budget cuts. Hussey says, and Texas A&M is "indebted to Texas farmers and ranchers for their support."