Library Awareness Program Unisex Tee

Library Awareness Program (1973+)

The FBI's Library Awareness Program was a covert counterintelligence operation dating back to at least 1973, designed to track the reading habits of library patrons deemed suspicious — primarily foreign diplomats and their agents. FBI agents would approach library staff at academic and public libraries, asking them to report the names and research habits of patrons accessing scientific, technical, or government materials. The program remained secret until a 1987 New York Times exposé, which sparked widespread outrage, led to congressional hearings in 1988, and prompted the American Library Association to urge libraries not to violate their ethical obligation to protect patron privacy. It was later revealed the program's internal name may have been "Development of Counterintelligence Among Librarians" (DECAL).

While officially aimed at foreign nationals, the program inevitably ensnared American citizens as well. Its criteria — anyone accessing "sensitive" materials like engineering journals — was broad enough to flag ordinary US researchers and students. Most notably, declassified FBI documents showed the Bureau also investigated American librarians who spoke out against the program, meaning critics became targets. The ACLU pointed out that the FBI's activities violated library privacy laws in 38 states and DC. Concern over these issues resurfaced after 9/11, with many drawing parallels between the Library Awareness Program and the surveillance powers later granted under the PATRIOT Act.

**All items are print-on-demand and refunds will ONLY be issued for factory misprints.

***Style Tip: Size up for a relaxed alternative / thrift vibe - or create your own crop tee by cutting at your desired length. This comfortable jersey fabric won't fray when cut! See images for sizing chart.