Legal Focus

At the PALA conference this year, we presented on a number of basic concepts in employment law that you may come across in your day to day management of a library. Recall the importance of documentation, and ensuring that you have written policies and procedures in place which govern your practices. Libraries should be mindful to adopt policies and procedures that may be required by law. Under the Pennsylvania Child Protective Service Law (the “PA CPSL”), libraries are required to comply with background check and clearance requirements for certain employees and volunteers. Additionally, the PA CPSL establishes a mandatory reporting requirement for certain employees of a library, and potentially volunteers as well. Continue reading to learn more about what is required under the PA CPSL, and why you should adopt written policies and procedures, in addition to other related documents, that can help you navigate PA CPSL requirements. 

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