Chmara, Theresa. Privacy and Confidentiality Issues: A Guide for Libraries and Their Lawyers.

Chmara, Theresa. Privacy and Confidentiality Issues: A Guide for Libraries and Their Lawyers. American Library Association, 2009. 98p. $47. 978-0-8389-0970-6.

Concerns about the protection of the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment have risen in recent years in all sectors, but libraries in particular have been a growing part of the intensifying debate. Issues of patron privacy rights in the library setting are not always easily resolved, but this handbook attempts to make resolution easier. Organized in short, informational chapters, this text addresses a multitude of concerns relating to the First Amendment that are pertinent to librarians, such as "privacy, confidentiality, and the internet" (chapter three), and "a minor's First Amendment rights and rights to privacy" (chapter five). Each chapter is subdivided into headings, making it easy to find the frequently-asked question that best applies to any given situation.

Complete with a 2008 appendix of the individual privacy laws in each state and an index, this book is a valuable reference for librarians in all forms of libraries. The complicated information is provided in layman's terms without patronizing the reader. Although many questions are answered succinctly regarding patron rights and library responsibilities, the reader is frequently encouraged to seek the council of the library's attorney. All in all, this is a comprehensive resource for the librarian or teacher seeking information about the First Amendment as it applies to their professions.