Dear Sir/Madam,

On 13 November 2008, Ian Brown of Education and Lifelong Learning, wrote to library users about the introduction of a new Library Management System "Vubris Smart". The letter states that all users will be re-registered and that old library cards are to be replaced by National Entitlement Cards. No option is provided for library users to opt out of registering for such a card.

This contradicts numerous ministerial answers in the Scottish Parliament in which it has been stated that such cards are voluntary and access to services would not be denied to those opting not to register. For example, in May 2005, Mr. Tom McCabe said (S2W-16501) "I can confirm that the card is voluntary and no-one would be denied access to the services that they are entitled to should they decline the offer of a card.".

Accordingly, please tell me:

1) whether any legal advice was taken before deciding to implement this system;
2) whether a privacy impact assessment has been conducted; and
3) whether the Information Commissioner's Office was consulted.

I should also be grateful if you would furnish me with 4) a copy of any information provided to library users about this scheme.

The requirement that library users should have a National Entitlement card means that they will have to provide personal data to be entered on a government database. I should be grateful if you would therefore tell me 5) the minimum amount of personal data that a user may provide to successfully apply for that card, and provide me with 6) a full list of every person or agency that may obtain access to that data.

Sincerely,

Dr. Geraint Bevan

NO2ID Scotland

Many thanks Doreen and Ian for this very helpful information,

Kind regards,

Geraint