Law for Librarians

Part 1 An introduction to the English legal system: classifications of law; the hierarchy of the courts; the doctrine of binding precedent; statute law and statutory interpretation; damages and quitable remedies; English law and European community law. Part 2 The legal context of the public library service: constitutional fundamentals; the legal framework of local government; the position of the public library service; companies under the control or influence of local authorities; the law of contract; neutrality of selection. Part 3 The law of defamation: defamation generally; types of defamation; the elements of defamation; defences to actions in defamation; criminal libel; blasphemy. Part 4 Obscene publications: the meaning of obscenity; obscenity, indecency and the postal service. Part 5 Privacy, confidentiality, data protection and official secrets: privacy; breach of confidence; data protection; transborder data flow; official secrets. Part 6 Copyright and public lending right: the historical development of copyright; the copyright, designs and patents act 1988; public lending right. Part 7 The user's liability to the library: the legal nature of the relationship between libraries and library users; the nature of bailment; criminal liability. Part 8 The library's liability to the user: occupiers' liability; negligence; conclusion. Appendix A: The citations and use of legal sources the citation of judges' titles. Appendix B: Photocopying crown and parliamentary copyright publications. Appendix C: Case references.