Essential Law for Information Professionals

Until relatively recently the impact of the law on the work of information professionals has been limited and confined principally to matters concerning copyright. However, in today's information society, librarians and information practitioners are increasingly engaging in activities that bring them into contact with varied and complex aspects of law, going beyond copyright into areas such as libel, freedom of information, professional liability, privacy and human rights. The range of legal knowledge that is required of a competent and prudent information professional has therefore expanded significantly. This classic text offers both a complete picture of the law as it affects information management and an exploration of the fundamental principles that underlie practice. It uses individual cases to illustrate legal principles and contextualize specific regulations. Legal information often appears dense and impenetrable, but this approachable text cuts through the legalese to present the reader with exactly the information they need in a digestible form. This completely updated edition includes new chapters on the Re-use of Public Sector Information, Human Rights, and Legal Deposit. A helpful glossary of terms is now included, and the chapter on Cybercrime and Computer Misuse has been substantially expanded. This book enables every information worker to quickly identify and assess the legal hazards that may be associated with their work. It is also the perfect textbook of law for information studies students.