We got a series of questions from a public library system about New York State Retirement. Buckle up, this is a LOT.
QUESTION 1
I am currently the director of a municipal library, but I have many years in the NYS system and am fully vested from my previous job. I am not able to get the municipality to submit my hours, as I am not an employee of the town. Is there anything I can do about this?
ANSWER 1
I am a school librarian, and just found out my school district is using student-device monitoring software. The software uses AI to check for searches and content that could indicate consideration of self-harm. I am concerned the software will monitor access to school library content and violate student privacy. What can I do?
This is a very serious concern.
Use of such monitoring software (such as GoGuardian’s Beacon, Google’s Gaggle, and others) is growing rapidly.[1]
We are reviewing our copyright policies and procedures at our BOCES. We are specifically reviewing student work. We understand, recognize, and respect that students hold the copyright to works they create. Our student community includes, but is not limited to, students with exceptional learning needs, behavior concerns, and our Career and Technical Education High School.
Thank you for your kind words. We’re going to address this question in three chunks:
I’d like to ask this as generally as I can so that the answers are as applicable as possible, but I’m writing from a small college library in NY, so I’d like to get a sense for myself and my staff about what our rights, obligations and protections for students and patrons are as Librarians in the event of a “visit” or raid by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
This is a timely and important question.
Regarding the ability of law enforcement (including ICE, FBI, ATF, etc.) to enter a college or university campus: the administration will make that determination, and it will be based on many factors.
Our organization has for many years now used a “DEI” internship program to bring people from under-represented communities into the library profession. With the new directives coming from the POTUS and various agencies in January 2025, should we stop this program?
Should your institution stop a program designed to attract people from populations under-represented in librarianship to librarianship? NO.[1]
Should your institution submit its DEI program for careful and routine evaluation for legal compliance and effectiveness? ALWAYS.
Our library is supported by a school district tax levy. The levy provides the bulk of our annual budget.
Short answer: yes, it is legal, and yes, there are options.
Let’s review why it is legal,[1] and then we’ll discuss the options.
I read the response to the question of whether certain types of libraries must abide by the minimum wage in New York (https://wnylrc.org/raq/minimum-wage-public-library-employees).
Before I answer, let’s confirm: sometimes, base pay (hourly wage or salary) is the only compensation an employee gets, while sometimes, compensation is base pay plus a robust combination of benefits.
We were recently reviewing our reconsideration procedure and form. One of my trustees has completed a training on book bans and challenges. The presenter (Jamie LaRue) recommended that the library requires the book (or item) have been read (viewed or listened to) fully by the patron in order to submit a request.
This question threw me into an existential spiral.
Unlike most existential spirals I get hit with these days,[1] this one was fairly pleasant; I got to think about New York State Education Law, due process, and library plans of service.
Here is how it went down:
Many libraries/archives hold unpublished materials whose creators are deceased, but are still protected by copyright since copyright lasts 70 years after death.
Many libraries do indeed have materials[1] that are unpublished, one-of-a kind, original works, such as photographs, letters, drawings, and recordings.
Some of these works may have significant financial value, while some may be more valuable in terms of local history and culture.
We have a large facility. Sometimes patrons have to walk far to get to various programs and spaces. We have had a few patrons in the recent couple of months ask if we have a wheelchair or walker they could use to help them get around. We consulted with our insurance provider about this and he basically said to ask a lawyer.
This is such a beautiful idea! In my experience, there are three things that often impede beautiful ideas:
This question shows how to protect an idea from these impediments:
