Search

In every issue, we offer excerpts from past newsletters. Thesecond excerpt, is a graphic from the July 1976newsletter, issue 40. GLO:92sg/01jun23:17n1.jpg PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): The second excerpt,is a graphic from the July 1976 newsletter, issue 40. gl. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses ways on how independent school librarians have leveraged the opportunities given to them to inform students about their rights and responsibilities with regard to intellectual freedom. Topics mentioned include Internet filtering and access to information, censorship and the freedom to read, and intellectual property and fair use. It also emphasizes the importance of respecting divergent viewpoints and observing privacy rights and responsibilities.

The article summarizes the main findings from the study conducted by the American Library Association's Office for Information Technology Policy and Office for Intellectual Freedom, aimed at analyzing the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The report is titled "Fencing Out Knowledge: Impacts of the Children's Internet Protection Act 10 Years Later." It also presents the recommendations for ALA to help schools and libraries align filtering practices with the requirements of the law.

Google Analytics continues to evolve into a more robust web analytics tool, and libraries must stay informed on these developments to get the most out of the tool. Chapter 1 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 49, no. 4) "Maximizing Google Analytics: Six High-Impact Practices" introduces the high impact practices essential to Google Analytics and provides a brief history of the tool to show how it has developed since first launched in 2005. The authors share the benefits and limitations of Google Analytics and conclude with additional resources to help libraries maximize usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This section offers news briefs on developments in U.S. libraries. Naperville Public Library will remove its Internet filters starting September 18, 2012 from all computers in adult areas of the library. Patrons are no longer required to be at least 18 to rent an R-rated or unrated movie at the Nashua Public Library. The Frederick County Board of Education has upheld a decision to continue using the controversial "Social Studies Alive!" third-grade textbook until 2014-15.

The article looks at legal action brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) against U.S. school districts who block educational LGBT websites. Citing specific cases in Georgia's Gwinnett County school system and Missouri's Camdenton school system, the article reports the ACLU's view that the filters prevent access to educational material, as well as breach rights protected under the First Amendment and Equal Access Act.

The article focuses on the integration of interactive Web 2.0 technologies into education in the U.S. schools. To address challenges associated with the misuse of the Internet, schools rely on filtering software. Aside from this approach, schools are recommended to establish rules and practices that address safe and responsible behavior regarding the use of Internet. Establishing effective approaches to detect Internet misuse requires a recognition on the limitations of filtering technology.

The article offers news briefs related to book censorship in the U.S. A Huntington Beach, California district superintendent decided on November 3, 2009 to keep Maya Angelou's autobiography in middle school libraries. Wicomico County Superintendent John Fredericksen announces on October 15, 2009 the removal of a Japanese graphic novel series from all public schools. A revised Internet policy that requires filtering on public computers has been adopted by the Shiawassee District Library Board.

The article offers news briefs related to censorship in libraries in the U.S. Board members of the Sacramento Public Library held a meeting which focused on how to prevent students' access to pornographic resources in library computers in California. The San Jose City Council announces to implement a policy on the development of Internet filters on library computers. The Bay District Schools has requested to pull out the book "The Fighting Ground" in libraries in Florida.

The article debates on the impact of Internet filters on the accessibility of library materials. In September 2004, the Ohio Library Council staged a debate at its annual conference between University Librarian Jim Neal and author Hampton Auld about Internet filters. That decision, to provide Internet access for the community, brought untold information riches into the library. It also brought inappropriate, unwanted and pornographic materials into the public library that had never been selected and of course, would never have been selected. Filtering materials on the Internet does not go against intellectual freedom principles. It is obvious that Internet filters are designed specifically to block access to materials on the Internet. Filtering, as demanded by the public through their local elected and appointed officials and state legislatures and Congress, is meant to apply common sense.

This article presents five examples of actual Internet user policies (IUP) from various libraries and vendors that could help you in creating an IUP for your library. Your IUP will be unique for your filtering strategy. The five following scenarios reproduced here accommodate several filtering scenarios. These are that the library is filtering to minimally comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act, that the library is filtering children's computers only, that filtering is done by the Internet service provider, that the library is not using filters and that the library is using a patron-authentication program integrated with its filter. The IUPs are from the Spokane County Library District, the Seattle Public Library, the Duchesne County Library, the Ames Public Library, and by the Cybraryn company.

This article discusses best practices for implementing an Internet filter in a public library setting. These guidelines are intended to assist libraries using filters for some or all of their library computers, to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), or to satisfy the community's demand for additional safeguards for children. Several best practices techniques are to protect patron privacy, learn the filter company's categories, use filter to reinforce policies associated with activities, use multiple profiles to accommodate different filtering levels, minimally block to comply with the CIPA, test the configuration before rollout, publish the library's filtering policy, monitor the filter's accuracy, solicit patron feedback, delegate filter-related responsibilities, use a filter monitor committee, train staff and patrons, provide key information on the block page, allow patrons to submit anonymous requests to override, use password override to set duration and extent of override, reduce patron requests to unblock or disable filter, keep filter up-to-date, and ensure Internet access is not interrupted when the filter goes down.

Once the library has decided to use a filter, it must define the right group of people to select the filter. One of the most practical issues about choosing a filter is the design, size and layout of the library's network. The ideal library filter for multiple locations is centrally installed and configured to enforce the library's Internet use policy while providing for adequate administrative control throughout the library. Addressing other network needs may be possible when installing an Internet filter. At least two free, open-source filtering options are available that anyone looking into filtering should consider. These options are Squidgard and the Dan's Guardian. Numerous costs are associated with purchasing a filter including hardware, software, training, annual subscription, maintenance fees, and the costs and staff time associated with developing and incorporating new policies and procedures.

Internet content filters have been available since the mid-1990s. The first filters to appear on the market relied largely on keyword blocking, a simplistic and ineffective way to filter content. CyberSitter and many other filter products soon began blocking entire Web pages when a keyword or key phrase was encountered. The expansion of the customer base for Internet filters caused the function of Internet filters to change. In attempting to serve their religious constituencies, filter companies have added categories of content that meet the needs of people sharing a certain religious or moral point of view. An even larger number of categories have been developed to address employers' desire to prevent their employees from engaging in nonwork-related activities at work. Libraries sometimes use filters to restrict what patrons can do on library computers.

The article discusses a survey on filtering in schools conducted by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). The survey found that many U.S. schools are going beyond the requirements set by the Children Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The article also informs that 98 percent of schools use filtering software that are either uniform resource locator (URL)-based, keyword-based or blacklists, and enumerates social networking sites and gaming are the most filtered content areas.

Since June 23, 2003, when the U.S. Supreme Court found the Children's Internet Protection Act constitutional, many libraries are, for the first time, seriously considering installing Internet filters. This article serves as an introduction to the special edition of the periodical "Library Technology Reports," on filtering and filter software. This report explores the issues associated with using Internet content filters in libraries. Readers who wish to understand the myriad issues at work when filters and libraries come together will benefit from reading each chapter in order. Chapter two focuses on how filters work and addresses some inherent conflicts of using filters in a library setting. Chapter three provides information about finding, selecting, and evaluating filters available on the commercial market and through open-source channels. Chapter four provides best practices guidelines for using filters in the library. Chapter five looks at the future of library filtering.

This article focuses on the Internet blocking software filters, that prevents children to access Internet pornography in public schools and libraries. Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) recently upheld by the Supreme Court, mandates use of blocking software on public library and school computers as a condition for eligibility to receive e-rate discounts or federal grants under the Library Services and Technology Act and Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. However, filters can give parents and guardians a false sense of security-prompting them to believe that children are protected when they are not. Numerous studies have documented that filters fail to block many sites banned under CIPA. Filters cannot protect children from other dangers and concerns they might encounter, such as potential predators, gambling, or fraud. These are all issues better addressed through education than by pinning one's hopes to a simple technological fix. Filters are expensive to install and maintain, resulting in an unfunded mandate for poor communities.

The article discusses on various issues related to the reviewing of books of Harry Potter. In reviewing Harry Potter's twenty-six Web glossaries and the more than one hundred management glossaries out there however, it is more than possible. One Potter Web site alone the Harry Potter Lexicon 2000-2004, www.hp-lexicon .org, categorizes and defines the Potter world in a similar way to identifying aspects in a management text. Dictatorial managers manage primarily through fear. Although the style is often necessary for a very short-term, time-sensitive, and possible staffing-confidential issue situation.

The article offers news briefs on school cases in the U.S. A 2011 decision by a federal district court which bans students from Easton Area School District in Pennsylvania from wearing I love Boobies wristband is being reviewed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The Governor Mifflin School District in Pennsylvania was requested by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the ACLU of Pennsylvania to refrain from using Internet filters which violates the rights of students.

The article reports on the findings by the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island that educators and students cannot access several websites which can provide useful information in the classroom due to flawed Internet filtering software. Included in the report are recommendations which address their rights to First Amendment and access of information in school which include filtering to be applied only to categories required by federal law and protection of school computer system.

The article discusses the website filtering policies of U.S. school programs that provide students with take-home laptop computers. Under the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), access to certain online material is controlled while students use the school network. Some school districts, including Wyoming's Natrona County School District, have extended their filtering systems to computers that students bring home. The legality and application of CIPA to these policies are covered.

The article offers news briefs on laws concerning libraries in the U.S. A proposed policy in Oro Valley, Arizona would require the Oro Valley Public Library to filter all Internet access for pornography. University of California at Los Angeles student Mostafa Tabatabainejad was repeatedly stunned with an electronic Taser by campus police officers at the campus Powell Library. The American Civil Liberties Union will represent groups in a lawsuit against the Internet filtering policy of the North Central Regional Library.

This article reports on the release of the survey "Internet Filters: A Public Policy Report," by the Brennan Center for Justice in the U.S. The survey focuses on the effect of the widespread use of filters on free exchange of ideas. It suggested that filters are useless in preventing children from viewing offensive materials in the Internet. Filters are required in schools and libraries under the Children's Internet Protection Act.

The article reports that according to the study conducted by university librarian Lynn Sutton, Internet-content filters most commonly used by schools do not preclude students from accessing legitimate educational materials in the U.S. Sutton's report was presented at the American Association of School Librarians conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

When the U.S. Supreme Court found the Children's Internet Protection Act constitutional, the role of public libraries in today's society was immediately put into question. Libraries will undoubtedly be sued by parties affiliated with both sides of the issue, and these lawsuits will generate new interpretations and new laws. Forcing libraries to purchase filters that charge per seat and then requiring them to filter staff computers in the name of protecting children does not make sense. As these practical issues come to light, changes will likely follow to alleviate the burden currently facing libraries. As libraries increase their role as consumers of filter products, the filter companies will begin to address library needs. Already, the changes are being made as more advanced disabling and overriding features are introduced, and the ability to block images without blocking text in a specific content category becomes available.

Provides a list of Internet filter products, that are available as of April 2004.

Presents information resources on Internet filtering, which were gathered as of April 2004.

The article discusses the American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) designation of the Wednesday of Banned Books Week as Banned Websites Awareness Day (BWAD) on September 30, 2015, describing BWAD as formally directing national attention to Internet filtering's impact on teaching and learning. It encourages school librarians to involve their learning communities in observing BWAD and the readers to contribute to a crowd-sourced list of blocked sites.

The article discusses steps schools and libraries can take to minimize the negative impact of Internet filters. These include choosing filtering software that is transparent in its classification system, exercising care in installing and maintaining the software, and developing a well-crafted policy for responsible Internet access and computer use. Also suggested is the need to implement a program to educate students about appropriate online behavior.

The article discusses Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) monitoring three lawsuits dealing with library users' right to read and access information. The case of Bradburn et al. v. North Central Regional Library District deals with information filters. The Missouri case Hunter v. City of Salem and the Board of Trustees, Salem Public Library concerns blocking access to minority religion websites. The case PFLAG Inc. v. Camdenton R-III School District reviews Internet filtering in Missouri schools.

The article reviews the web site Historical Perspectives on Canadian Publishing, located at hpcanpub.mcmaster.ca.

The article reports on the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE) study indicating that a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling could set limits on censorship and oblige states to use more selective filtering. ECIPE's Brian Hindley and Hosuk Lee-Makiyama notes that various WTO member states are legally compelled to allow an unrestricted cross-boarder Internet services. The study also shows that Internet use is strong in China with 298 million people online in 2008.

The article focuses on the legality of the proposal made by the leaders of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents some 19,000 workers including American Airlines flight attendants, to add filters to its in-flight Wi-Fi access to prevent passengers from viewing porn and other inappropriate Web sites while in-flight. However, the said proposal has stirred up a debate whether Internet access in public places should be restricted.

This section presents news briefs related to U.S. libraries. An Internet use policy was adopted by the Sacramento Public Library authority board in California intended to balance the protection of children with the right of adult patrons to view potentially offensive materials. A legislation was signed by Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine that requires public libraries to install Internet filters.

The article reports that the board of supervisors of the Solano County Library voted for the installation of blocking software on the public workstations of the library in California. The board instructed library officials to disable the software at the request of an adult with no question asked. Patrons younger than eighteen will be permitted only filtered searches if their parents or guardians allow them unfettered access.

The article reports that public libraries have revised their Internet filter settings in response to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) affiliate in Rhode Island. The report found that some libraries discouraged or barred access to constitutionally protected material. ACLU executive director Steven Brown announced that their group is pleased that the state's public libraries have taken a positive step to ensure library patrons have the freest possible access to the Internet.

Reports on the move of officials in Phoenix, Arizona to require filters on all city library computers by hiring extra staff to implement the new policy as of February 2005. Functions of the additional staff; Other steps taken by the Phoenix Public Library to ensure a safe online environment.

Focuses on several U.S. states which have adopted or are considering legislation as of April 2004 that would require public or school libraries to add filtering software to public-use computers used by minors and withhold funds from those not in compliance. Utah; Colorado; Florida; Indiana; Kansas.

The article reports that Tom Wood, a 16-year-old student in Australia, found a way around a new pornography filter provided by the government's NetAlert Internet safety initiative. According to him, it took him just over 30 minutes to bypass the filter. His technique kept the filter's toolbar icon in place, fooling parents or teachers into thinking the software was still working. Wood was concerned that other technically proficient teens would also discover the workaround and put it online for others to use.

The article reports that Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine signed a legislation requiring the state's public libraries to install Internet filters to block offensive material but allowing adults who are conducting research to have the filters disabled. The legislation was supported by the conservative Family Foundation of Virginia, which has been calling for such a measure since 2004. A statement from Senate Majority Leader Walter Stosch, who sponsored the bill in the U.S. Senate, is presented.

The article reports on the rejection of the Child Online Protection Act, which made it a crime for commercial Web sites to allow access to harmful material without first verifying user ages. In his ruling, Senior U.S. District Judge Lowell Reed Jr. stated that computer software filters serve to protect children from such controversial material without violating free speech. It is inferred that the Justice Department is expected to file an appeal.

The article reports on the opening arguments presented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) regarding its legal challenge to the Child Online Protection Act. The law requires commercial Web sites to obtain proof of age before providing material considered harmful to minors. The ACLU counters that filtering programs are a more effective means of protecting children.

The article reports that the Council of Conservative Citizens has sued four libraries in Missouri including the Maplewood City Library for allegedly using Internet filtering software to block patrons from viewing its Web site. According to them, the libraries violated its constitutional right to free speech by preventing access to its Web site. It notes the reactions of the four libraries to the allegations filed against them.

Provides an update on the media censorship involving several libraries in the U.S., as of December 2005. Request of Terry Blaes, a former trustee of Florida's Marion County Public Library System, for a review of Vladimir Nabokov's award-winning novel "Lolita"; Decision of California's Solano County Library's board of supervisors to equip every computer in the system with filters; Decision of the Oak Loan Village Board of Illinois to request the city library trustees that they revisit their June 2004 decision to retain Playboy magazine over the objections of an area resident.

Focuses on a report released by the American Civil Liberties Union affiliate in Rhode Island on April 19, 2005 regarding the use of Internet filters in public libraries. Key findings of the report; Incident at the Providence Public Library when a librarian refused to remove a filter to allow her to do a Google search on nudism; Recommendations from the report.

Reports on the reaction of public libraries that receive federal money for Internet connectivity to the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the constitutionality of the Children's Internet Protection Act in 2004. Action taken by libraries that chose to comply with the law; Libraries that chose not to install filtering software programs.

The American Library Association (ALA) filed its response on February 10, 2003 to the U.S. Justice Department's brief defending the Children's Internet Protection Act. The Justice Department appealed the case after a three-judge panel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania overturned the law because it forces public libraries that accept federal funds to filter Internet access for all users, even though its stated aim is to shield only minors from sexually explicit content. In its brief, ALA claims there is no "valid analogy between filtering Internet access and the inevitable content-based choices a library makes when it acquires materials for its physical collection. With the provision of Internet access, the library opens up a portal to a huge amount of communication, much of which would never be purchased for inclusion in a physical collection. It cannot then sever access to a limited class of that universe--relying entirely on the secret decisionmaking of third parties--and claim that this is akin to classic physical collection development." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also filed its brief in the case February 10. Amici curiae briefs in support of the ALA and ACLU have been filed by the Online Policy Group and Seth Finkelstein, the Free Expression Policy Project on behalf of eight organizations working to bridge the digital divide, and a coalition of organizations representing publishers, booksellers, journalists, and authors led by the Association of American Publishers.

On March 5, 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the government's appeal of the unanimous Court of Appeals decision of the American Library Association (ALA)/American Civil Liberties Union challenge to the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). It is the opinion of the author that this is a critical time to discuss the government's effort to legislate morality. CIPA is a challenge to every librarian who believes wholesale Internet filtering is an infringement on public access to information and on First Amendment rights. It is the opinion of the author that librarians must continue to educate themselves on this issue and articulate their messages in a way that helps the public and users understand the dangers of relying on filters. Even if filters really did block all the illegal stuff called for in CIPA--which they don't--librarians are still left with the question as to who decides what Internet provider addresses, Web sites, and pages contain pornographic content. In preparation for an appearance on CNBC's Capitol Report, the author learned that although the Family Research Coalition (formerly Council) has decided that the Harry Potter series of movies are family-friendly, a fellow religious organization is continuing to cry foul about the movies' wizardry and witchcraft. The author argues that if folks on the same side of the debate can't agree on Harry Potter, then it will be difficult for a computer programmer concerned about commercial liability and ignorance of constitutionality to discern Shakespeare from Hustler. While library users may be lulled into false security, librarians should not be. They should be proactive in helping users understand the failure of filters. The more people know about how to safely and effectively search the Web and the more librarians communicate about their Internet policies and practices, the more librarians will be able to reduce fear and gain support for filter-free access to the Internet in libraries.