Closing the filtering debate?

[Phil Meyer]

On Wed, 11 Jun 1997, Gilbert, Richard A wrote:

> I may have missed previous discussion on this topic, and if so forgive
> me.  But what I am wondering is: 
> 	How do you propose that public libraries deal with outraged
> patrons/politicians/community leaders demanding an immediate solution to
> the perceived Internet "problem"?  Saying no is fine and dandy, but when
> the public refuses to take no for an answer, what does a library do
> then?
> 
> Richard Gilbert
> 

What have libraries always done?  Try to educate the "public" (as if 
_everyone_ who is served by the library can be lumped together on any 
side of the issue) on the dangers of censorship and restricting access to 
information.  Let them know how commercial filters work and that with the 
present filtering products available there are the following problems:

  1) Not all pornographic sites will be blocked
  2) Some non-objectionable sites will be blocked on purpose by the
     producer of the filtering software
  3) More non-objectionable sites will be blocked because they contain 
     certain keywords.

I would hope that a sizable percentage of the population served would
object to hiring a company to decide what they as individuals can and
cannot access in their public library. 

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Phil Meyer                                 Phone: 612 689 7390
Systems Librarian                          Fax:   612 689 7389
East Central Regional Library              
244 S. Birch St.                           Email: phil at ecrl.lib.mn.us
Cambridge, MN  55008
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