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The article discusses ConnectED, a U.S. federal initiative designed to improve Internet connection at school and libraries, and how school librarians should plan to use faster broadband. Particular attention is given to applications of broadband to community and concurrency, as the author suggests that better connections can improve community involvement at libraries as well as improve real time communication across distances.

The editor reflects on Internet filtering in libraries, with particular focus given to the impact of filtering in children's libraries. Connections are drawn between filtering and collection development and the effect of limiting access to information in libraries is explored. The editor also discusses problems connected to unfiltered Internet access, U.S. Supreme Court rulings on Internet filters in libraries, and the importance of developing polices concerning acceptable Internet use.

The article reports on a political debate between the Illinois Family Institute, which is pushing for a law to require filtering software on all public library computers in the state of Illinois, and the Illinois Library Association, which opposes the law. Eight libraries are reported to have shut off their internet services entirely in protest against the proposed law, which they believe is unnecessary and unduly burdensome.

Presents the opinions of the author about Internet filtering software that limits online access for students. Percent of Web sites that are blocked by the filters; Number of Web sites related to sexual health that are inaccessible; Opinion that filters cannot eliminate student access to Internet pornography and that when filters are at their most restrictive levels, relevant and essential student information is lost; Belief that filters should not prevent librarians from helping students find information; Discussion of who should control to what degree filters are set; Examination of filters in North Dakota and Pennsylvania.

Details how the Georgetown Township Library devised a unique response to a Michigan law authorizing library boards to restrict minor's Internet access to obscene material. Requirement of the law that libraries offer unfiltered access to adults; Cost of an unfiltered computing per hour.

Reports that 16-year-old Burklin Nielsen has been vindicated of the bar from using the Internet in her school in Minnesota. Reason for being barred from using the school's Internet; Comments from Nielsen; Attention gained from Minnesota lawmakers.

Reports on news in libraries across the United States. Public libraries that have Internet access; Northeastern University which is seeking librarian reviewers; Elementary school that ran out of money before buying enough books for the library.

Discusses a report released by the U.S. Department of Education Statistics detailing services for children. Preliminary results that were published 'School Library Journal'; Libraries that conduct summer reading programs; Percentage of libraries that deny computer access to children; Children's librarians.