Final answer:
The federal government influences public libraries by setting conditions on federal funding, such as requiring internet filters through CIPA and ensuring accessibility under the ADA. Although libraries are mainly managed on a local or state level, federal laws like FOIA also necessitate that certain federal documents be available in public libraries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal government does not specifically require public libraries to do certain things; instead, public libraries are typically managed on a local or state level. However, the federal government can influence public libraries through funding and regulations that come with that funding. For example, the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires libraries that receive federal assistance to install internet filters that block access to images that are obscene or harmful to minors.
Furthermore, the federal government plays a role in ensuring that all public facilities, including libraries, comply with laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires public facilities to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Also, under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), federal documents are required to be accessible to the public, often through local public libraries that act as repositories.
Although not directly related to public libraries, the federal government also enforces consumer protection laws in other sectors, for example in banking, where it requires banks to comply with anti-discrimination laws and disclose loan information. These examples demonstrate the larger role of the federal government in regulation and ensuring equitable access to services.