Library
Law (L4L)
The Wisconsin Statutes
Chapter
43 
This chapter spells out the law governing public libraries and systems in the
state. It is the fundamental legal resource for librarians and trustees.
Wisconsin
Statutes: Links and Searching
This site offers links to an unofficial version of all the Statutes. It is
possible to view each chapter with Adobe Acrobat or to load the chapters in
pdf format. The NXT Infobase links also make it possible to search the Statutes, a process that enables
one to find material in Chapter 43, but also relevant material elsewhere in
the statutes.
Chapter
43: Summaries of Sections
This is a short summary of the content of the main sections of Chapter 43,
prepared by David Polodna in 1999 and used with his permission.
Chapter
19: Public Records and Open Meetings
The laws relating to public records are found in Sub-Chapter II; the laws
governing open meetings in Sub-chapter V. Helpful information about both
of these laws is available at Wisconsin Library Legislation and Funding, Law, Standards, Policies and Planning.
Additional Links
FAQ:
Parental Access to Library Records Law (Act 207, AB 169)
This FAQ provides answers DLTCL. Includes
a link to the text
of the law , which became effective on April 23, 2004.
Wisconsin Library Legislation and Funding, Law, Standards, Policies and Planning
The state has collected links to legal resources that include Chapter 43 and
the Administrative Code, information on the open meetings law and closed sessions
of the library board, the public records law, sample policies, copyright resources,
and more.
League
of Wisconsin Municipalities
The League is a not-for-profit organization that "acts as an information clearinghouse,
lobbying organization and legal resource for Wisconsin municipalities." It
is full of useful information for librarians. For example, see the FAQs on
libraries discussing the relationship between the library board and the governing body and on county payments to municipal libraries for services provided to non-residents.
Mary Minow's Map of Library Law
This site includes everything you've ever wanted to know about library law,
and more. There's information on court cases relevant to libraries, copyright,
intellectual freedom, cyberlaw, and current issues, for example.
Introduction
to Legal Materials: A Manual for Non-Law Librarians in Wisconsin
From the Law Librarians Association of Wisconsin, a 2003 revision of this manual
in pdf. The site also provides information on purchasing a bound copy. Note
especially Section VIII - Collection Development and Appendix E - Legal Information/Assistance
Sources in Wisconsin.
How
to Use the Federal Freedom of Information (FOI) Act
The 9th edition of "a general 'do-it-yourself' guide to using the federal Freedom
of Information Act....It describes how to use the Act as an effective investigative
tool, and provides sample letters, forms and directories to assist you in dealing
with the government promptly and effectively." It also discusses which agencies
are covered by the law and what is protected from disclosure.
Supporting public libraries in Outagamie and Waupaca counties