Censorship Needs: Real or Perceived?

[Eric Schnell]

It has been my observation that Internet censorship
in libraries is the result of a *perception* on the part
of librarians and administrators that inapproriate 
materials will be viewed. It is my opinion that 
recent attempts to limit Internet access to resources 
is knee-jerk reaction to a *perceived* problem rather
than an actual one.   

  A recent newspaper article reinfores this POV. The 
writer went into several public libraries and performed 
interviews and observation of patrons using the Internet. 
While the author's study was admittedly unscientific, 
he came to the conclusion that library patrons DO NOT use 
library access as an anonymous way to view pornography. 
They use it to do library research. People wishing to
view explicit materials will go to their local bookstore
and not their public library.

   The real impact of Internet filtering IS NOT the 
limiting of inappropriate materials, it is the restriction 
of patrons wishing to perform library research. It is my
opinion that libraries choosing to restrict access are 
doing more harm than good. There are enough people out
there who are gatekeepers of morality that libraries do
not have to get into that business.

   If you are worried about your kids looking at naked 
people on the Internet, than you better get your library 
to cancel National Geographic and remove Schindler's List 
from the video collections as well. Obviously, some people
feel the good information value these materials bring 
is outweighed by the *possibility* some people might
find some pleasure from them...  


********************
Eric Schnell
Head, Automation Services
Prior Health Sciences Library
The Ohio State University
schnell.9 at osu.edu
http://bones.med.ohio-state.edu/eric.html