Law Commons^™

Library Crime, Michael L. Smith

Faculty Articles

Libraries are often idealized as one of the few remaining safe, public spaces. Beyond providing books and internet access, they are a source of shelter, warmth, restrooms, and a place to stay without a reason for society's most vulnerable. But libraries are also at the core of a network of criminal laws that punish a wide array of library-related conduct. Steal a book? Write in or otherwise damage materials? Fail to return an item? Hide a book in a manner that looks like you are about to steal it? Many states criminalize these activities, often punishing them with potential jail …

“C” Is For Communication, Robert H. Hu

Faculty Articles

Public relations is essentially about communications—projecting a favorable image to the public. To reach this goal, the organization carrying out the public relations campaign will often use several communication vehicles to market, promote, and advertise itself to the public it serves. Libraries tailor many of these media strategies to communicate with their specific users and publicize their services.

Sometimes, one particular marketing strategy will achieve the desired outcome; at other times, a combination of strategies may be required to be successful. To assist libraries in identifying which marketing strategy or strategies is most appropriate or beneficial and how best to …