Our public/state law library is in the Supreme Court building--opening off
of the main lobby right inside the building's front doors. The court has
placed security guards on duty, and everyone entering the building has
been required for the past few years to run their possessions through
an airport-style x-ray machine and to walk through a metal detector. The
court has just today instituted a new policy that requires everyone
entering to show identification, sign in, wear a "visitor" tag while in the
building and then sign out before departing. I just inquired of one of the
guards what happens if someone wishes to use the library but does not
happen to have identification with him or her. I was told that the person
may not enter. Maybe I'm crazy, but I'm outraged! I have made the
statement that I have never had to present identification to be admitted to
any type of library. I would very much appreciate knowing whether any
other public libraries have security restrictions that have the effect of
limiting access. I would also like to know if any colleagues have access
policies or know of instances where the right of access to public
libraries or other public buildings has been tested legally. I'll very much
appreciate hearing from you. Carol Billings, Law Library of Louisiana
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