Elyse H. Fox writes: “Librarians are used to being generalists, able to research all kinds of questions. But when someone seeks help filling out a form or understanding their rights, those same staffers may be wary of crossing the line from legal reference to unauthorized practice of law. Moreover, public library collections often have few legal resources for patrons. Within these limitations, though, library workers can develop their legal reference skills and provide appropriate referrals.”
