Boston situation -Reply

[Bobb Menk]

Sheryl Dwinell writes (some deletion here)

>I think parents would like to think
> that librarians are at least partners in making the library a safe
> environment for their children.  Is that really too much to ask? I
> don't think that necessarily means the use of blocking software (I
> think it's inappropriate in a library setting), but shouldn't we at
> least let parents in our communities know that we believe in freedom
> of information AND we do care about what children see & read and can
> serve in some capacity to assist parents in making information
> choices for children.
>
>  I think we can express our belief in free expression & freedom of
> information without sounding so strident and giving the impression
> that we don't give a damn about the children in our communities. 
> Obviously, we won't please everyone, no library ever does.  I wish I
> knew the answers, but I don't. 

I don't have any answers either - just an example of an attempt to 
let parents know we share some of their concerns about what there 
kids are doing at the library.  We don't filter, but the 
children's/parents section of our web at 
http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/children/parents1.htm
includes some materials to help parents grapple with what fears they 
may have about the net, plus point out to them some of bigger
shortcomings filtering presents.  It also includes links to the key 
filtering software company web sites so they can download or get more 
information if they want to.

It's a small attempt, but I think perhaps more effective in the long 
run than knee-jerk quotation from the Library Bill of Rights. ;>)  
After all, shouldn't we be using the web to help educate our patrons 
about the web?  If they're afraid, then perhaps we should focus some 
of our efforts on calming their fears rather than just telling them 
"tough - the net's wide-open & woolly, proceed at your own risk".

Bobb Menk
Internet Librarian
Lane Memorial Library
Hampton, NH 03842
bmenk at hampton.lib.nh.us
603-926-3368