Law and Libraries: The Public Library

How does the law affect public librarians and the daily operations of the library? This engaging survey covers a vast number of issues―many of which are the subject of entire courses and thousands of articles―and makes them accessible to those outside of the legal field. The author, a practicing lawyer with extensive experience in the field of library and information science, carefully elucidates many of the dangers facing the unwary librarian and offers recommendations on how best to avoid legal problems.

Timely issues such as trademarks, whistle-blowing laws, the Patriot Act, and privacy laws after 9/11 are given thorough treatment. Also covered are copyrights, fair use, library archiving, licensing, contracts, implications and limitations of linking, privacy and filtering, the Uniform Computer Information Transaction Act, websites and library liabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act, sexual harassment, policies and procedures, and more.