Recently Asked Questions (RAQs)

Recently, a page at the library made some comments that were less than flattering about how the local town was handling a new subdivision. The town supervisor came to me (we are an association library and not part of the town government) and asked if our personnel handbook had any language about social media use. He shared that the town personnel handbook had a clause about not disparaging the town when you are an employee. Our handbook does not have specific language on this matter, instead stating that “Appropriate use of the Internet, email and social media is expected.” (There are more clauses about how and when to use the libraries social media, but this seems to be the only line about personal social media)

He and I discussed the matter further and he made a suggestion that the library should look in to whether or not a non-disparagement clause should be part of our social media policy. I got the impression he further thinks that should apply to our major funders (mostly, the town).

How, if at all, should libraries handle personal social media use by employees, especially in regards to usage that might disparage the library or the town that funds us?

We have 12 employees of the Library. 3 are salaried the rest are minimum wage. Are Library employees subject to NYS DOL Minimum Wage Law as well as the Wage Orders for salaried employees? We are unsure where we would fall. Our funding comes from taxes/aid/grants. We are looking for an answer as soon as you are able as we are preparing our budget for next year. Thank you so much for your help.

Our library gets taxpayer funding from its own line on a school district tax bill. We know this "259" funding is a recurring tax that can only be changed with approval of the voters. That said, this year the total amount remitted by the school district was reduced due to "corrections" made after the tax bills went out. We've also been told the library could have to return levy money if a taxpayer successfully challenges their assessment. Is this true? We're concerned about what such reductions could do to our annual budget.

I recently purchased a copy of a DVD at the request of a professor. I believe that the professor intends to show this film in class. The DVD is relevant to course materials. 

I opened up the case to catalog it, and inside the front cover was an insert ... asserting that a public performance rights license must be purchased to be able to show the DVD even in a classroom setting.

I purchased the DVD believing that the professor's showing would fall under Fair Use, as it would be limited to a specific and relevant educational course, shown only to students registered for that course, in a face-to-face classroom setting, using a legally purchased copy. However, my doubts are creeping in because the wording of the insert makes me wonder if this DVD was legally purchased.

If the producer intended for it to be sold only for home/individual use and expressly prohibits any type of group viewing as part of the sale, is my purchase with intent to use the DVD in a classroom setting illegal? Does this insert override or prohibit what would otherwise be Fair Use?

Thank you for your insight and expertise!

What would it look like if a Public Library hired a part-time social worker to help patrons deal with some of their everyday life issues that may come up while visiting the library? I see the potential benefits but can imagine a lot of complications.