Applied First Amendment Jurisprudence for Public Libraries
29 Pages Posted: 5 Apr 2016
Date Written: April 1, 2016
Abstract
Whether the physical space of a public library is entitled to some degree of special protection under First Amendment jurisprudence is of great import to public library administrators for a variety of reasons that include the development of patron behavior policies, patron interaction and staff training, and reducing the probability of litigation involving the infringement of First Amendment rights of patrons. This paper discusses the legal intersection of First Amendment protections and public library spaces and suggests constructive steps public libraries may take to reduce risks of litigation, legal costs, and exposure to First Amendment hazards with patrons.
Keywords: public libraries, First Amendment, patrons, rights, freedom of speech, library, libraries, patron behavior
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation