Library Lawsuits

We live in a litigious society and libraries are not exempt from these lawsuits. I have complied a group of interesting lawsuits regarding library issues. Have you had to deal with any of these legal issues?

Bradburn et al v. North Central Regional Library District
On November 16, 2006 a group of library patrons sued over the use of filters on library Internet computers (Burt, 2008). A trial date has been set for April 15, 2008. Many libraries have added filter software to their computers to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). This software can limit search activities and sometimes excludes many legitimate sites. How do you feel about computer software filters?

John and Jane Does v. Thacker et al
On September 28, 2007, a pro se suit was filed in Hillsborough County, Florida regarding the time limit for Internet use. The plaintiffs claimed the time limit was too short. Due to the high demand for computers, many libraries limit the amount of time each patron utilizes a computer. This case was filed on the basis of a violation of civil rights but was dismissed without prejudice on March 25, 2008 (Justia, 2008). Do you think it is fair to limit computer time?

Faith Center Church Evenglist Ministries et al v. Glover et al
On July 30, 2004, the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) filed a lawsuit on behalf of a Christian group that was not allowed to rent a room at the public library to hold services (ADF, 2004). Many libraries have separate meeting rooms. Do you think religious organizations should be allowed to use public space?

ADF. (2004, July 30). Library policy: No religious person allowed, [Press Release]. Retrieved on April 13, 2008, from http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/story.aspx?cid=2772
Burt, D. (2008). Bradburn. Retrieved on April 13, 2008 from http://filteringfacts.org/legal/bradburn/

Justia. (2008). John and Jan Does v. Thacker et a. Retrieved on April 13, 2008 from http://news.justia.com/cases/featured/florida/flmdce/8:2007cv01778/205669/