Re: (Fwd) Porn and Public Access - Tx Telecom Jrnl (fwd)

[Michael Schuyler <michael@linknet.kitsap.lib.wa.us>]

On Wed, 9 Apr 1997, DUNHAM Patricia R wrote:

> ? How can a library patron "compel" a library worker to do any such
> thing?  I mean, isn't that what supervisors and co-workers are for?  --
> For backup, that is?  What library worker is going to get into trouble
> with their management for declining to assist a patron if the worker

Let me make one thing clear here: I'm not supporting or detracting any of
the statements I have heard. The point is that these kind of statements
are what we as library professionals are being told. The fact that you or
I take umbrage with these many and varied legal opinions is really beside
the point. We are not lawyers. As a result, our administrations and our
Boards of Trustees, and our City Councils will be influenced by all these
lawyers spouting opinions. 

Anyone can sue anyone or thing for anything they want to regardless. What
we really need here is case law to support one position or another. We
need a few cases that test the "sexual harrassment" opinion and see them
dismissed or lost before we can definitively say that kind of argument
does not hold water. On the other hand, what if it does? We simply do not
know. 

The second, and probably more important issue here is the library's
reputation and standing in the community, the way the library defends its
position on intellectual freedom, and how the library handles complaints
from parents and others who really couldn't care less about the Library
Bill of Rights. This is kind of a "second front" we have to help each
other deal with. 


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