[Publib] ALA offers May "Lawyers for Libraries" training institute in Philadelphia

[Don Wood]

ALA offers May "Lawyers for Libraries" training institute in
Philadelphia
		
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) will present the
Mid-Atlantic Regional "Lawyers for Libraries" Training Institute at the
Loews Philadelphia Hotel on May 17, 2007.  This will be the tenth in a
series of regional institutes following two national institutes in 1997
and 1998.

The Lawyers for Libraries institute is primarily intended to equip
attorneys with tools they need to effectively defend the First Amendment
in libraries.  Participants will be instructed by practicing attorneys
specializing in First Amendment law and will be eligible for continuing
legal education (CLE) credits for their participation.

Among the topics to be covered during the institute are:

* Privacy, law enforcement requests for records, and the USA PATRIOT
Act
* Public forum analysis and libraries, including developing meeting
room and display case policies
* Internet filtering and the ongoing repercussions of the Supreme
Court’s CIPA decision
* How to respond to attempts to censor books and other library
materials

In addition, a panel of librarians will discuss their real-world
experiences with creating and enforcing library policies.

"Libraries today need committed, informed attorneys to provide clear
guidance and expertise," said ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF)
Director Judith F. Krug. "The Lawyers for Libraries training institutes
ensure that attendees know about the most up-to-date, accurate and
relevant legislation and case law related to the First Amendment and
libraries.  The best part is that we’ve been able to create a network
of attorneys who continue to work with OIF and share information with
each other about censorship and privacy issues, policy development, and
crisis management."

While "Lawyers for Libraries" is designed primarily for attorneys and
library trustees, librarians are welcome to attend the training if
accompanied by an attorney.

To register for the "Lawyers for Libraries" institute, contact Jonathan
Kelley, (800) 545-2433 x4226, or e-mail jkelley at ala.org.  Online
registration and additional information are available at
http://www.ala.org/lawyers.  The cost to attend an institute is
$395.00 for one and $745.00 for two.  

The Loews Philadelphia Hotel
http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/Philadelphia-Hotel/Overview.aspx 

The Loews Philadelphia Hotel is offering a rate of $179.00/night for
attendees.  Reserve your room by calling (215) 627-1200 and referencing
"American Library Association May 17 event" to get that rate (before
April 20!).