Recently Asked Questions (RAQs)

We got a question from a school library...

I was wondering about student privacy when substitutes are in the library. When I started here, subs were able to use the circulation desk to check out material. However, since September we have had one substitute who is also a parent looking up their children’s accounts. We also had another issue with a different substitute looking up material to see what students were checking out. When I found this out it made me uncomfortable and I am no longer allowing subs to circulate materials. I have had some pushback from subs about the sudden limitations. I was thinking that the information would be along the same lines as an adult volunteer. However, I did not know if subs had more privileges to access student accounts because they are district employees. I would like something in writing to reference if admin ever asks.

Please provide a long, detailed, and deeply footnoted resource on the difference between lobbying, political activity, and telling people how to vote on a ballot measure such as a library budget proposition.

The [NAME REDACTED] Public Library has a materials selection policy in place. When recently updating the policy, trustees had questions about the "responsibility" section which states:

"Authority and responsibility for the selection of library resources is delegated to the Library Director by the Board of Trustees. At the discretion of the Library Director, staff who are qualified by reason of education, training and experience are given the responsibility to select resources within the framework of this policy."

The question we have is should the word "delegated" be used in this context. The Handbook for Library Trustees includes sections stating that the board is legally responsible for all aspects of the library as an institution and have broad and almost exclusive powers and authority to administer the library. We wonder if the delegated section is correct, or if the responsibility section should just say that the Library Director is responsible for the selection of library resources.

I understand that, as employers of a union shop, the library is required to allow the union a reasonable amount of time to conduct union business.[1] However, how much time is reasonable? Can employees meet with their shop stewards on the clock at the library for 5+ hours a week, taking both away from their duties? Is there a ballpark? Could we set a limit of 1-2 hours a week?
Thank you!

I am of the understanding that NYS departments documentation falls under public domain. Can you provide any insight into this? Thank you!