[Publib] legal/ethical issue

[Dale McNeill]

This is so important that I am concurring with Sue on the list, rather than
just to the individual.  If your library or system doesn't have a staff or
retained attorney, most state libraries can provide referrals to attorneys
familiar with laws that impact public libraries.

Dale


On 10/2/07, Sue Kamm <suekamm at mindspring.com> wrote:
>
> Run, do not walk, to your system's attorney.  S/he can advise you about
> the laws pertaining to library circulation.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joan Pellikka
> Sent: Oct 2, 2007 3:41 PM
> To: "publib at webjunction.org"
> Subject: [Publib] legal/ethical issue
>
>  Greetings,
>
>
>
> I usually just lurk, but I really need your help here. I work in a rural
> library system with more than 60 libraries. These are not branch libraries;
> they are all separate entities with their own library boards. Very few of
> them have any staff members with an MLS, including the library directors.
> The library system uses SIRSI, but fewer than half of the libraries are
> fully automated.
>
>
>
> My question involves the use of SIRSI to indicate when a patron has been
> barred. We have been having some discussion regarding the possibility of
> libraries indicating when a patron is barred for reasons unrelated to
> circulation issues, in particular when there has been a behavioral problem.
> This information can be accessed by any of the participating libraries. Some
> of us have expressed concern over this practice due to privacy &
> confidentiality issues and the possible violation of civil rights.
>
>
>
> We have been told that this use of SIRSI (and other automation systems) is
> common in other library systems and we would like to know if this is the
> case. If so, has anyone ever expressed the same concern that we have? Even
> better, has any library system ever been legally challenged by a patron for
> this practice and lost? Or, are our concerns completely unfounded and we
> should not be concerned at all?
>
>
>
> Any input on this at all would be very much appreciated.
>
>
>
> Thank you,
>
> Joan Pellikka
>
>
>
>
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> Your friendly CyberGoddess and Councilor-at-large,
> Sue Kamm
> Inglewood/Los Angeles, CA
> Truest of the Blue, Los Angeles Dodgers Think Blue Week 2000
> Visit my blog:  http://suekamm.blogspot.com
> email:  suekamm [at] mindspring.com
> Baseball Is Life -- the rest is details
>
>
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