As a reference librarian, the above query is one of my least-favorite patron questions. This is because patrons often come to the library with the expectation that “somewhere out there” lives a simple, easy-to-understand, one-page brochure or handout that lays out all their rights on topic X. Rarely does such a publication exist.
That being said, I have compiled a list of Web sites that provide resources that come close to meeting this elusive goal.
The USA.gov Web site is an excellent starting-off point for finding federal information. The Consumer Safety page includes links to Web sites from a myriad of different federal agencies that address consumer issues on topics ranging from air travel and banks to recalls and internet fraud. www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Consumer_Safety.shtml.
WashingtonLawHelp.org is the place to go for information on Washington issues. Topics include “Health Rights of Those Under 18 Years of Age,” “Your Right to Examine and Obtain Copies of Your Medical Records,” “Do You Work in the Forest? Forest Workers’ Rights,” “Your Rights and Responsibilities as an Employee in Washington State,” and “What to do If Your Vehicle Has Been Towed.” www.washingtonlawhelp.org
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries maintains a WorkPlace Rights page that includes information on topics such as family leave, minimum wage and filing a workplace rights complaint. www.lni.wa.gov/WorkplaceRights/default.asp.
The ACLU and ACLU of Washington Web sites have many publications on rights, including “Know Your Rights When Encountering Law Enforcement,” “Street Speech: Your Rights in Wash-ington to Parade, Picket and Leaflet,” and “Prisoner’s Rights — ACLU Position Paper.” Use the sites’ search engines to find these publications. www.aclu.org and www.aclu-wa.org.
The King County Office of Civil Rights offers publications such as “Housing Discrimination & Your Civil Rights: A Fair Housing Guide for Renters and Home Buyers.” www.metrokc.gov/dias/ocre/
The Seattle Office for Civil Rights has information on many topics, such as “Animals Working: A guide to service animals in public places,” “Your Right to Work — a Handbook for Non-Citizens,” and “Civil Rights and Air Travel.” www.seattle.gov/civilrights/outreach.htm
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give the King County Law Library a call at 206-296-0940 or go to our Web site at www.kcll.org and ask your questions there.
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