Recently Asked Questions

We are planning an emergency preparedness training for library staff to include CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and Narcan training. We have heard from librarians that some boards are concerned about the implications of having staff trained. We would like to have some commonly asked questions addressed so that we can answer them if they come up.

1. If staff are trained, do they incur a duty to act? Would they personally or the library as institution become liable should they freeze up and not intervene?

2. If staff are trained but inadvertently cause harm in the process of administering aid, are they covered by any kind of Good Samaritan law?

3. Can a library have a policy of requiring all staff to undergo these types of trainings?

4. Are there any other legal implications or obligations that should be considered that the average person may not think of?

How long should the library retain employee records, payroll records, sales and purchase records, mortgage and loan documents, and other records?

This is an issue that's come up in recent conversation. If an individual who no longer works at an institution finds that their picture is still being used by said institution, whether in promotional photos or on staff/faculty pages, does that individual have any legal recourse? It seems wrong for an institution to continue to use photos of faculty, staff, or even students who are no longer affiliated with the institution but it seems to promote the idea that they are. Sometimes it could be carelessness, other times it seems like there is an illusion of diversity being promoted. What could someone do if they find that their image/likeness is still being used by their former employer, for whatever reason?