The FBI and federal prosecutors have always had the ability to obtain library and bookstore records 
through the traditional means of a grand jury subpoena. But the Patriot Act allows them to get the records 
using secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act courts. Libraries and bookstores served with such subpoenas 
are also subject to gag orders.

The American Library Association and the American Booksellers Association have campaigned against the provision, 
which is Section 215 of the Patriot Act and allows access to all business records.