Navigating First Amendment Audits: Understanding the First Amendment, First Amendment audits and the policies libraries should have in place

We all know public libraries provide free, equitable and confidential access to information for their users, in order to protect and promote their First Amendment rights. But what are the practical applications of the law? How can we protect our materials, staff and patrons? In this program, sponsored by NJLA's Intellectual Freedom and Professional Development Committees and the Administration and Management Section, Amanda Eigen, Bonnie Lafazan and Douglas Zucker will provide information on the First Amendment and how it applies to libraries, First Amendment Audits and how to navigate them, and what policies and practices your library should have in place (and why) to help you and your staff prepare for and respond to them in an effective and lawful manner. 

Speakers
Amanda Eigen, Assistant Director - Maplewood Memorial Library
Bonnie Lafazan, Director - Springfield Free Public Library
Douglas S. Zucker, Esq., Partner - Weiner Law Group, LLP

Bios
Amanda Eigen began working at the Maplewood Memorial Library in 2004.  Over the years, Amanda has served as Media Coordinator, Branch Librarian, and Head of Circulation and Technical Services. With a focus on affirmative and equitable customer service for all,  Amanda believes all patron experiences can and should be positive ones. Amanda graduated Cum Laude from Washington University in St. Louis, and received her Masters in Library and Information Science from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. She is an ALA/OIF Law for Librarians Trainer, and a member of the NJLA Intellectual Freedom Committee and Administration and Management Section.  In her free time, Amanda enjoys hiking, playing with her dogs and, of course, reading!

Bonnie Lafazan currently serves as the Director of the Springfield Free Public Library, where she demonstrates a strong commitment to community engagement by bringing her positive energy and creativity to library management.Previously, Bonnie served as the Assistant Director of the Springfield Free Public Library, Library Director at the Woodbridge Campus of Berkeley College and held the position of Interim Library Director at Berkeley College. She holds a dual degree in Journalism and Political Science from Rutgers University, a law degree from New England Law in Boston, and a Master of Library Science (MLS) from Pratt Institute. Currently, she is a member of the NJLA Administration and Management Section and co-facilitates Mentor NJ's Wellness Wednesdays Meetup.

Douglas S. Zucker, Esq. is a partner with the Weiner Law Group, LLP law firm.  Douglas’ practice focuses primarily on representing employers in labor and employment law issues, as well as general business/contract law. Douglas has been representing public libraries in labor and employment and general library law and other legal matters continuously throughout most of his career, and currently represents 29 municipal libraries and 2 county library systems in New Jersey. In his role as general library counsel, Douglas advises and assists libraries on issues related to patron relations and patron conduct, First Amendment issues, public contracting, RFP and bidding requirements, OPRA and OPMA compliance, protecting the confidentiality of library records, developing and reviewing policies and procedures and Board Bylaws, funding issues and the delicate relationships between libraries and the local governing body. Douglas also provides advice and counsel to his library clients on a broad range of labor and employment law topics, including union and non-union environments and Civil Service jurisdictions. In addition to public libraries, Douglas also represents numerous public library foundations and Friends of the Library organizations. Douglas conducts training programs for library staff and for library Boards of Trustees, and has presented at the ALA annual conference, the NJLA Annual Conference, for BCCLS, and for NJ State Library.