LSSC Safety and Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Most U.S. states protect library patron records through what type of law?
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
- Federal copyright statutes
- OSHA workplace regulations
- State library confidentiality statutes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: State library confidentiality statutes
Nearly every state has a statute or attorney general opinion protecting the confidentiality of library patron records.
Question 2: A police officer at the circulation desk asks what books a patron has checked out. What should a support staff member do?
- Refer the request to the library director or designated administrator per policy (Correct answer)
- Tell the officer the information verbally but not in writing
- Print the patron's borrowing history for the officer
- Delete the patron's record immediately
Correct answer: Refer the request to the library director or designated administrator per policy
Library policy usually sends law enforcement requests to an administrator, who checks for a valid court order before releasing any records.
Question 3: Under the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, what is the maximum running slope for a wheelchair ramp?
- 1:10
- 1:20
- 1:12 (Correct answer)
- 1:8
Correct answer: 1:12
The 2010 ADA Standards allow a maximum ramp slope of 1:12, meaning one inch of rise per twelve inches of run.
Question 4: Which section of U.S. copyright law specifically gives libraries and archives limited rights to reproduce works for preservation and interlibrary loan?
- Section 512
- Section 106
- Section 107
- Section 108 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Section 108
Section 108 of the Copyright Act sets reproduction rights for libraries and archives, including preservation copies and copies for users.
Question 5: Which OSHA standard covers employee protection when cleaning up blood or bodily fluids in the library?
- Respiratory Protection Standard
- Lockout/Tagout Standard
- Fall Protection Standard
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires exposure plans, PPE, and training for employees who may contact blood.
Question 6: Library staff notice water stains and a musty smell in a stack area. What is the most appropriate response?
- Wait until the annual inspection
- Move the affected books into a sealed plastic bag at home
- Spray air freshener and continue shelving
- Report it promptly so facilities can check for leaks and mold (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Report it promptly so facilities can check for leaks and mold
Moisture and musty odors can mean mold, which threatens both collections and health, so it should be reported right away.
Question 7: What is the main purpose of a library's patron code of conduct?
- To set clear, consistently enforced expectations for behavior in the library (Correct answer)
- To replace state and local law
- To restrict who may get a library card
- To list the library's hours and fines
Correct answer: To set clear, consistently enforced expectations for behavior in the library
A code of conduct defines acceptable behavior so staff can enforce rules fairly and consistently for all patrons.
