Alternatives To Filtering

What are some of the alternatives to filtering that will protect children from hardcore porn sites?

Follow the ALA recommendation that libraries adopt a comprehensive, written Internet use policy, written with the advice of lawyers knowledgeable about the First Amendment.²⁴ The ALA recommends that the policy should "Expressly prohibit any use of library equipment to access material that is obscene, child pornography, or 'harmful to minors' (consistent with any applicable state or local law)."²⁵ This clause would allow the librarian to truthfully say, "We do not permit obscene materials or child pornography in our library." But at the same time, constitutionally protected speech does not get overfiltered. The ALA says the policy should cite "as few restrictions as possible."²⁶ You should communicate these policies to everyone "in a clear and conspicuous manner sufficient to alert library users that filtering software is not utilized."²⁷ This includes posting notices at all Internet terminals about the prohibitions on accessing illegal materials.

Other approaches tried out by libraries across the nation:

• Install privacy screens around terminals.
• Put terminals in direct view of the reference desk, in an attempt to shame porn users; require patrons to sign up for terminals.
• Offer programs to educate library patrons on safe and effective Internet use. Publicize these programs widely.
• Fight the impression that the library does not care about children's safety by providing extensive information on Internet safety on the library's website.
• Offer recommended Internet sites, especially for youth and children, on the library's website
• Promote positive examples of Internet use by children
• Consider temporary, user (parent)-controlled filters that can be turned on and off by patrons.
• If people begin to question how family-friendly your library is, talk about lapsit programs, delivering books to mothers and newborns, story hours, and other family-friendly programs that your library offers.

If enough librarians believe that filtering would be acceptable if only the technology were better, then perhaps it's time to work together for better and more accountable filtering systems which involve librarians in decision-making and oversight. If enough people get involved, the library community can help build an effective and sensible filtering system that blocks patently obscene material while still protecting First Amendment rights and allowing for local control.

Notes

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