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Reports on an ordinance passed by the Jefferson Parish Council in Louisiana which tightens penalties for viewing obscene or sexually explicit material on library computers. Possibility of a fine or jail sentence for those convicted; Procedure by which librarians are to report the patron, including confirmation by a co-worker that the material is offensive; Possibility that the ordinance will be argued against.

Cites survey findings regarding the library needs of users and non-users in New Orleans, Louisiana. User and nonuser interests in library materials; Usage and visitation rates for libraries; Understanding on the information to be derived from libraries.

The article presents the author's personal experience during the last day of evacuation at the Robert E. Smith Regional Branch of New Orleans Public Library in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the evacuation, hurricane emergency and safety pamphlets were distributed to library patrons. The responses of library staff were at first non-compliant with the evacuation procedure. After the hurricane, damages to libraries were evaluated through online source.

Editorial. Focuses on a Jefferson Parish, Louisiana ordinance drafted to make it illegal for anyone to use library Internet access to view material deemed obscene. Opinion that this is an unconstitutional remedy to the problem of library Internet access abuse; Statement that libraries may have to proactively partner with local law enforcement to curtail so-called surreptitious crimes, such as the viewing of child pornography by convicted molesters.

Reports on the police search of the Harrahan branch of the Jefferson Parish Library in Louisiana after a parent's obscenity complaint. Details of the seizure of one of the branch's internet terminals and computer logs after a man was allegedly seen masturbating at a library computer; Plans of the Library Department to review its internet access policy.