While federal buildings in DC are public buildings and open to the public, they require ID before you can enter and use the facilities. The security aspect outweighs the problem with denying access to information. They don't deny anyone access as long as you have ID. My impression is that the policies are long standing but I haven't had need to access such facilities until recently, so maybe somone else in DC remembers when the tighter security went into effect and if there was any attempt to contest it.
Barbara Folensbee
Barbara Folensbee-Moore
Librarian
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Washington, D.C.
202-220-1528
folensbb@pepperlaw.com
>>> "karenpdo@gate.net" 11/02 9:30 AM >>>
Interesting - this can have serious implications if it catches on - but
isn't a "national identification" /(your "papers" when in public)
unconstitutional? - I would think/hope that this dies @ first challenge.
Karen Mahnk
At 03:42 PM 11/1/1999 -0600, Carol Billings wrote:
>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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