Information access post September 11: What librarians need to know

The tragedy of September 11, 2001 has forced both the American people and the government to reevaluate how information is collected and disseminated. Part of the White House's response to September 11 includes protecting "sensitive information from inappropriate disclosure," and encouraging federal agencies to review whether certain information, formerly readily accessible, should be removed from the American public's view. The ability to control the way information is made available to the public has changed, especially during the Digital Age. The Internet, like the radio during World War II, is one of the most powerful tools used to relay information to the public. This paper discusses the government's control of information post September 11, drawing some comparisons to actions taken during World War II.