LSSC Core Concepts and Principles 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which section of the U.S. Copyright Act specifically allows libraries and archives to make certain reproductions for preservation and patron use?
- Section 107
- Section 108 (Correct answer)
- Section 109
- Section 110
Correct answer: Section 108
Section 108 sets out specific reproduction rights for libraries and archives, beyond general fair use.
Question 2: During a reference interview, which question is an example of an open-ended question?
- Do you need a book?
- Is this for a school assignment?
- What would you like to know about this topic? (Correct answer)
- Have you checked the catalog?
Correct answer: What would you like to know about this topic?
Open-ended questions invite detailed answers and help staff clarify the patron's real information need.
Question 3: What does the term 'intellectual freedom' mean in a library context?
- Free tuition for library science degrees
- The right to seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction (Correct answer)
- Free internet access with no policies
- The library's ownership of its intellectual property
Correct answer: The right to seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction
ALA defines intellectual freedom as the right of every individual to seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction.
Question 4: In the Dewey Decimal Classification, which class contains literature?
- 400
- 700
- 800 (Correct answer)
- 900
Correct answer: 800
The 800s are Literature; 400 is Language, 700 is Arts and Recreation, and 900 is History and Geography.
Question 5: Which body typically has final authority to adopt policies for a U.S. public library?
- The circulation supervisor
- The library board of trustees or governing authority (Correct answer)
- The state library association
- The Friends of the Library group
Correct answer: The library board of trustees or governing authority
Policy adoption usually rests with the library board or governing body, while staff carry out the policies.
Question 6: What is a key difference between a library 'Friends' group and a library foundation?
- Friends groups set library policy; foundations do not
- Friends groups usually focus on advocacy and small fundraising; foundations manage larger gifts and endowments (Correct answer)
- Foundations are run by library staff
- There is no difference
Correct answer: Friends groups usually focus on advocacy and small fundraising; foundations manage larger gifts and endowments
Friends groups usually support the library through volunteering, book sales, and advocacy, while foundations handle major gifts, endowments, and long-term fundraising.
Question 7: Which principle supports a library offering materials in multiple formats and languages for its community?
- Equitable access to information for all users (Correct answer)
- Reducing cataloging workload
- Increasing late fees
- Limiting collection size
Correct answer: Equitable access to information for all users
Equitable access means meeting the varied needs of all community members, including different languages, abilities, and format preferences.