LISNews: Librarian Blog Since 1999

Ruling Could Affect Restrictions On Sex Offender Use Of Mass. Libraries
“They simply said that, you know, ‘Our ordinance enjoys a presumption of constitutionality and we rest on that, and that anyone challenging it has the burden of proof,’ ” Timmins said, meaning a true constitutional debate over this issue has yet to occur in the courts.

There’s no indication that debate is going to happen in Massachusetts anytime soon. A spokesman for the ACLU of Massachusetts said they’ve not been contacted by any sex offenders interested in pursuing a lawsuit.

2 similar stories from the west coast caught my eye this week:
Librarians stand aside as patron watches porn from The Malibu Library in CA.
Seattle library lets man watch porn, despite complaint from Seattle, WA.

"But what I find ironic is that you can't talk too loudly at the Seattle Public Libraries or you'll be asked to keep it down so as not to distract the other patrons. You know, the patrons viewing pornography."
-- Read More

The adventures of Conan The Librarian
What is a public library for? Costa coffee and "bums on seats"? or the promise of a better world? The managerialised nightmare of a London council's cost-cutting misunderstandings is glimpsed at through the deep stacks by a not-yet-defeated librarian and idealist

Library union's pressure tactics continue
Ditto for Nunziata, who was not at all surprised with the threatening tone of the e-mails. “Instead of the union trying to intimidate councillors, why don’t they work with the city ... and bring forth suggestions on how we can make operating cuts,” she said. “All they’re interested in is keeping their jobs ... they just care about themselves.”