A Reference Guide to the Subject of Drug Testing!

Drug Testing

Overview: Drug testing in America has become a common method in discouraging illicit drug use; its stated goal is to reduce the number of drug users by threatening them with exposure and sanctioning. Though many citizens believe this is the correct approach, many feel this is a direct violation of privacy, which is guaranteed by our Constitution. The following is a research guide to finding informative resources on the topic.

Library of Congress Subject Headings: Drug Testing; Drugs and Employment; Urinalysis.

Keywords – The following terms should be used when searching electronic sources

• Drug testing
• Drug screening
• Drug Policy
• Privacy
• Substance screening

Reference Sources: The following sources provide an introduction to drug testing law, technology and practice, as well as current issues and options. These sources were found on the Library of Congress Online Catalog.

1) LC Control No.: 90015085

LCCN Permalink:

Type of Material: Book (Print, Microform, Electronic, etc.)

Personal Name: Evans, David G., 1947-

Main Title: Drug testing law, technology, and practice / by David G. Evans.

Published/Created: Deerfield, IL: Clark Boardman Callaghan, c1990-

Subjects: Drug testing --Law and legislation --United States.

Employee rights --United States.

Drugs and employment --United States. Drug testing.

LC Classification: KF3540 .E93 1990

Dewey Class No.: 344.73/012596 347.30412596 20

2) LC Control No.: 90007848

LCCN Permalink: http://lccn.loc.gov/90007848

Type of Material: Book (Print, Microform, Electronic, etc.)

Main Title: Drug testing : issues and options / edited by Robert H. Coombs and Louis Jolyon West.

Published/Created: New York : Oxford University Press, 1991

Subjects: Drug testing --United States. Civil Rights --United States. Substance Abuse Detection. LC Classification: HV5823.5.U5 D77 1991

Dewey Class No.: 362.29/364/0973 20

3) LC Control No.: 88143569

LCCN Permalink: http://lccn.loc.gov/88143569

Type of Material: Book (Print, Microform, Electronic, etc.)

Main Title: Drug testing : protection for society or a violation of civil rights? / by the National Association of State Personnel Executives and the Council of State Governments. Published/Created: Lexington, Ky: The Council, c1987.

Subjects: Drug testing --United States.

Drug testing --Law and legislation --United States.

Privacy, Right of --United States.

Employee rights --United States.

LC Classification: HV5823.5.U5 D78 1987

Dewey Class No.: 331.25/5 19

Print Books: The following are books in print that provide useful information on drug testing.

1) Drug Testing: Issues and Options, by Robert H. Coombs and
Louis Jolyon West. This books provides an introduction to the complex world of drug testing. Discusses and answers questions concerning "voluntary" testing, individual rights-of-privacy, and the psychological effects of mandatory testing are also discussed.

2) Surveillance, Privacy, and the Law: Employee Drug Testing and the Politics of Social Control, by John Gilliom. This book uses survey research and highlights the divided opinion among people on this subject. It presents arguments suggesting drug testing as a form of social control.

3) Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Testing, by Jonas Pomere. Describes the most common drug tests and discusses the controversy behind mandatory testing for students and employees.

Periodicals: The following articles focus on the issue of drug testing and how it relates to privacy, a civil right. All articles were found using the ProQuest database, performing an advanced search using Boolean operators to refine the search (drug testing AND privacy).

1) Juliet A Terry (2007, August). Employers Limited in Ability to Test for Drug Use. The State Journal, 23(34), 5. Retrieved July 31, 2008, from ProQuest Newsstand database. (Document ID: 1338213581). This article is from The State Journal, a publication dealing with issues in the state of West Virginia. It discusses employers’ inability to randomly test employees, unless they are in a “safety sensitive” job.

2) RHEA DAVIS (2004, August 15). Some schools to start testing for drugs / Plans draw support, but concerns are raised about rights' violations :[4 STAR Edition]. Houston Chronicle, p. B.1. Retrieved July 31, 2008, from ProQuest Newsstand database. (Document ID: 679008601). This article, from the Houston, Texas daily newspaper, Houston Chronicle, discusses how school districts in the State of Texas prepare for the implementation of random drug testing, the support it has drawn, but also, concerns about rights to students’ privacy.

3) Kris Maher (2004, January 20). Career Journal: Armchair Drug Detection; Devices Sweep Office Fixtures For Illegal Substance Traces; Viewed as 'Kind of Sneaky'. Wall Street Journal (Eastern Edition), p. B.1. Retrieved August 1, 2008, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 526409681). This article from The Wall Street Journal, discusses how one company tests for the presence of narcotics in theri office, by simply brushing office furniture and equipment with a new tool designed to detect certain substances. The ACLU sees it as an unfair way to harass or try and get rid of certain employees.

Website Resources: The internet has an overwhelming amount of websites and organizations that support drug testing. Many of the websites that present the opposing viewpoint lack credibility, mostly in part due to outdated websites. Many seem to contain information on how to pass drug tests.

1) The American Civil Liberties Union website (www.aclu.org) includes a section on drug policy, which discusses drug testing. Includes links to news articles that cover events where drug testing is not an efficient solution. The following is an excerpt from this website, explaining the ACLU’s objective and purpose:

“Majority power is limited by the Constitution's Bill of Rights, which consists of the original ten amendments ratified in 1791, plus the three post-Civil War amendments (the 13th, 14th and 15th) and the 19th Amendment (women's suffrage), adopted in 1920.

The mission of the ACLU is to preserve all of these protections and guarantees:

• Your First Amendment rights - freedom of speech, association and assembly; freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.
• Your right to equal protection under the law - equal treatment regardless of race, sex, religion or national origin.
• Your right to due process - fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of your liberty or property is at stake.
• Your right to privacy - freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairs.”

2) The Drug Policy Alliance Network (www.drugpolicy.org), is the nation's leading organization working to end the war on drugs. They support new drug policies based on science, compassion, health and human rights. This organization and their website are a good example of how current policies are being challenged because of their failure to protect people’s right to privacy.

My Final Thoughts - Reflection #5

Although, this was not my first online class, I could wholeheartedly say that it offered the greatest challenge...but I'm almost there!! Though face-to-face interaction is the most effective means of communication, I feel that there was strong and interesting discussions in our Discussion Board. I like the fact that we had to respond to our classmates, I feel that it made this "virtual classroom", more like a traditional one. Either way, the workload was just a challenging as in a real classroom setting. One element not present in this class, compared to other online courses I have taken, was the lack of an initial in-class orientation. I would have enjoyed putting faces with names, since our class is full of interesting and intelligent people. But overall, this course has taught me some critical skills that I will surely utilize in future gen eds. I fully recommend this class to anyone who wants the upper-hand in any future courses that require research. I have also pledged to myself that I will, from this day forward, to continue to update my skills in information competency...I feel it will guarantee future success both professionally, and academically....Good Luck, Everyone!!

We're Almost There....Reflection 4

Information Competency.....well, though the the phrase seems intimidating, once you understand what it means, and what is involved, it is not that threatening. I interpret this as the ability to navigate through the different mediums on which information is offered. It is the ability to efficiently perform research on a given database. It is also the ability to effectively utilize the many services a library typically offers. In a nutshell, it's your ability to gain revelant information and utilize it. I feel that this course has transformed me into a information competent pupil. I will have added confidence when I take English courses. I no longer fear the research paper!! Information management is always evolving, as evidenced by the Information R/Evolution video . So a student needs to make sure he/she is constantly updating and gaining new information competency skills......it's the sure way to succeed!!

Reflection 3

In times past, "research" to me was going on a search engine and performing a simple search, followed by my reviewing of the results. Now that I have become familiar with the resources available to students and the general public, I have to say that my research methods were primitive at best. By far, the most interesting and helpful resource I have come across is the Statistical Abstract of the United States. It blew my mind to see just how much statistics are kept in this country. Finding out about LBCC Library's online databases has facilitated the research process for me. I feel that in the future, this database will be my starting point when having to research a topic. I guess now I know that true research goes beyond Google!!

Reflection 2

Man...once you turn 25, time flies! Here I am about a week before the end of Summer 2008 semester...IT FLEW BY..Well, even though it was fast, I have learned a couple of valuable bits of info that are going to help me (and hopefully, some of you!). First...no matter how convenient the internet is, there is no replacing a library, and no replacing a good, solid book. I have learned that convenience will never replace the real thing. During this semester, I was in a couple of situations where I thought the quickness of the internet was going to bail me out. Turns out, the enthusiasm and experience of a real life librarian was my saving grace. With that being said, I now feel the internet should be used as a general reference source; a place to find interesting facts, or the weather...but if genuine research is the calling, my best advice is, go to the library. Even if you feel that you lack the skills to effectively search a library, do not worry. Without hesitation, approach the nearest librarian...they'll be delighted to help you.
The internet is a vital tool for everyday living (from my experience). I think it is safe to say that computers and the internet will continue to entrench themselves into the fabric of everyday American life as time progresses, and people will accept it with open arms. But, formal research - today, tomorrow, the next decade - will always require the attention of a good librarian, and a good library.

Blog Reflection 1

Well, here I am almost halfway done with Summer 08 semester. I actually wish it would "drag-on", it goes by soo fast...oh well. My Business Communication class is pretty straightforward; do homework, take quiz. That has been my general experience in college....I am not implying anything negative...that's just the way its been...but it works for me. Information Competency has been a surprise! I thought it was going to be a cruise to the finish line...I am wrong so far. This is the only one of my classes that has challenged me to leave the house and go find the answers I need. Today, I took a trip to the Main Library in downtown. Beside the sights and sounds of the city, I learned how a library is MUCH MORE than a building with books inside...it is a kingdom of information...yeah I said it.
Though this is not the first time I take an online class, it is the first time a take multiple classes online simultaneously. I do miss the human contact (in the classroom) and the actual interaction of a class discussion, but overall, I am enjoying taking college courses from home (no parking battles!). I am convinced that I will continue to take online classes when possible.

...and the battle continues...

Sunday Afternoon at the Long Beach Main Library

On Sunday, June 22, 2008, I paid a visit to the Long Beach Beach Main Library. Though there are closer libraries to where I live, I chose the Main Library because its the only library I know that is open on Sundays, and they are the largest. It is located in downtown Long Beach, at the following address: 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90822; the phone number is (562) 570-7408. If any further information is needed, you can visit them on the web at www.lbpl.org.
Upon entering the library, (though I have been there a few times) I begin to realize how big and comprehensive it is. As I continue to make my way further in, I begin to notice that they utilize the Dewey Decimal Classification System - speaking with a librarian secured that fact. Obviously, there are thousands of books available for public check out, but they also offer other materials such as, CD's, DVD's, VHS, audio books, and audio books on CD. Aside from their comprehensive collection of materials, they also offer services to the public. Computer and online access, reference services and even an Information Center for People with Disabilities is available. This center offers volunteers providing 1-on-1 service, specialty items such as braille keyboards, wheelchairs and sccoters for library use and ADA adjustable computer workstations. Throughout the library, there is plenty of seating for people to enjoy. The library is split into two levels. The ground floor contains the majority of the content: general books, reference area, children's section, and electronic resources. The lower level mostly carries non-print materials such as music, movies and audiobooks. Also on the bottom level is the Miller Special Collections Room. It has a grand entrance; big wooden double doors with golden accents. The collections inside have an emphasis on Asian culture, but also carries rare, first edition books on a variety of topics. All books in this special collection are not available for check out. However, they are available for use in the library.
The reference section of this library is a comprehensive one. Resources available include: Government Documents (U.S. Regulations, California Codes), phone books, car repair manuals, periodicals (both print and microfilm) maps and atlases. All of these materials, of course, cannot be checked out of the library. However, these materials are available for use during library hours. I decided to speak with a reference librarian to find out more about their online reference resources. Though I did not get her name, I must say she was enthusiastic in answering my questions. Right off the bat, she informed me that the two most popular electronic resources are the ProQuest Newspapers and EBSCO Magazine Database. Aside from being the most popular, the librarian also told me that those are the resources she recommends the most. EBSCO Magazines include over 1,100 periodicals that cover nearly ALL subjects. It is their most comprehensive magazine database. She also pointed out to me a unique database called "Opposing Viewpoints". This is an online library of the most current social issues, but offers materials and resources from opposing views of any given subject.
This visit to the library presented me with an opportunity to familiarize myself with common services and materials offered at these institutions. I am convinced that the Long Beach Main Library is now my library of choice. Though it is a bit out of the way for me, their comprehensive services and materials offerings, an enthusiastic and helpful staff, and convenient hours of operation (they're open seven days a week) it makes the drive from the Top of the Town worth it.