While this video includes a lot of editorializing by the poster, it does allow me to introduce an ethical dilemma that computers have introduced to libraries. How can a public library balance its commitment to freedom of speech with the fact that the internet allows material to be "included" in its collection that would not be selected by the library on its own?
The Sacramento Public Library struggled with this issue in March 2007.
The problem in Sacramento was caused by patrons being offended by material others were viewing online. According to the Sacramento Bee , the library filters internet access by default but adults can request an unfiltered internet session. A decision was reached to alter the language in the internet-use policy which would allow librarians to ask users to refrain from viewing internet sites that "would interfere with the maintenance of a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for the public." The policy in full can be viewed here: http://www.saclibrary.org/about_lib/internet_use.html
What I found very interesting was that an incident involving an alleged attempt to sexually assault a child at a library appeared to have influenced the decision of some of the board. This ties directly into the issue of in loco parentis that Rubin (2004) discusses. Public libraries may allow children over a certain age to remain in the library without parents but they do not have the same in loco parentis role that a school library has. In light of this, should the member of the library board have allowed an assault that was unrelated to internet access to influence her decision?
Fletcher, E. (2007, November 4). Library internet limits urged. Sacramento Bee. pp. B1. Retrieved from http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/142825.html
Internet porn at library argued: Governing board rejects viewing ban adopts 'safe' policy. (2007, March 23). Sacramento Bee. pp. B1. Retrieved from http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/142825.html
Liberalviewer. (2007, March 29). Can a public library screw your constitutional rights? Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSkWN5eIxWM
Rubin, R.E. (2004) Foundations of library and information science. New York: Neal-Schuman.
1 comment:
It seems almost every week I see something similar in the paper. Internet use can be a scary thing to provide, there is always one person who feels it necessary to ruin it for everyone else. It always seems these issues piggyback censorship problems. I wonder how all this will develop. Oh, I also linked to your blog from mine. Hopefully that is okay.
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