Article in the local Express and Echo 22 October 2002
Suggestion slips prompt ban for library protester
PRIVACY campaigner Dr Stephen Wozniak is
planning to defy a county council order banning him from Devon's libraries. He was given
his marching orders after ripping up slips of paper asking for suggestions on how the
service can be improved in front of staff at Exeter Central Library. The six-month ban is
the culmination of his latest run-in with authority.
Dr Wozniak has complained about lack of privacy when using computers provided for public
use in libraries. Former town councillor Dr Wozniak, of Sidford, near Sidmouth, said:
"Private information, regarding shares or medical matters for instance, which people
want to bring up on their computer screens can be seen by staff and any confidential
information on print-outs can be seen by them too.
"I have complained to the library service about this repeatedly and believe I am
being made an example of. But I intend to continue using Sidmouth Library in defiance.
Dr Wozniak said he ripped up three of the slips on which the public can make suggestions
on how the service can be improved at the central library last month.
He claimed that, as a result of that and complaints he had made, he had been banned from
using Devon's 67 libraries for six months.
He said: "For instance, Sidmouth and Honiton libraries, where there are computers,
have little regard to the requirement of users. "I believe the computers can be
rearranged in the reference areas of libraries in such a way that staff cannot see what is
on the screens as added privacy when in use."
Dr Wozniak was banned under the county council's by-law 24, which covers the proper use of
libraries. Tony Sweeney, assistant county solicitor, told Dr Wozniak in a letter:
"Bearing in mind your recent behaviour, the head of Library and Information Services
is exercising her power to exclude you from all library premises throughout Devon."
Dr Wozniak was asked to "modify" his behaviour. A county council spokesman
declined to comment on the case.
Two years ago Dr Wozniak was involved in a wrangle with East Devon District Council. He
was asked to tidy his unkempt garden after local residents complained it was an eye-sore.
Dr Wozniak said it was a natural area and he wanted to safeguard wildlife in his garden.