Essential Law for Information Professionals (2nd ed.)

Citation

Parry, F. (2007), "Essential Law for Information Professionals (2nd ed.)", The Electronic Library, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 116-117. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470710729182

The disclaimer at the front of the book states that Paul Pedley is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice, but the author has got, as the saying goes, “form”. Having previously worked in the information sections of law firms and government departments, Pedley has written extensively about such legal issues as digital rights and copyright. This book examines those aspects of UK and European law which affect the work of information professionals working within the United Kingdom. Although it is only three years since the first edition, the law has changed substantially in that short time. Pedley has updated the text with the latest cases, legislation and developments. This is especially relevant in the fast‐moving world of electronic information, data protection and copyright. There are also new chapters on the re‐use of public sector information, human rights and legal deposit (following the Legal Deposits Act of 2003).

The first chapter outlines the historical background to the workings of the UK and European Union legal systems which is useful background reading for those with little or no knowledge of the law. The second chapter introduces copyright. Towards the end of this chapter I realised that I was becoming more interested in what I thought might be a dry, lifeless subject. For instance, I suspect that I am not alone amongst information professionals in being ignorant of some possible legal problems with hyperlinking or deep linking. Pedley helps by plotting a course through these and other potential legal minefields by writing clearly and succinctly, which is a distinct advantage when considering the subject matter. He makes liberal use of checklists. In the chapter on data protection there is one on the monitoring of electronic communications which runs to 27 actions! Not all the law is quite this detailed, but it is useful to have it mapped out so clearly. Other chapters include freedom of information, defamation, breach of confidence and privacy, professional liability, contracts and licensing, cyber crime and computer misuse and disability discrimination. Reading through the various sections, it comes as some surprise just how much of the current law affecting information professionals has been shaped in recent years by the changes in electronic communication. This should therefore be of special interest to the readers of this journal.

All chapters have useful further information sections detailing websites to bookmark and key information resources. There is also a bibliography, list of statutes, statutory instruments, European directives and decisions, tables of cases, abbreviations and, new to this edition, a glossary.

This book is well laid out and can be referred to easily for handy advice and reference. Most information professionals with an interest in how the law affects the way we conduct our business – and let's face it, that's most of us – are highly recommended to pick this up.