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The author reflects on the issuance of fees and fines for business purposes by libraries. Topics discussed include the Park Ridge Public Library in Illinois, examination of the return on investment (ROI) by libraries, and interactions between the library and its patrons. In addition, she also talks about the risk of fees or fines on library access.

The article highlights issues surrounding the federal Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA) being addressed in the Illinois General Assembly. Several efforts in relation to the law are discussed, including the filtering of social networking websites such as MySpace.com from public library computer access. General trends in library internet security is also discussed.

The article discusses the introduction of the Internet Screening in Public Libraries Act (ISPLA) to the Illinois General Assembly, focusing on opposition to the bill by the American Library Association (ALA) and Illinois Library Association (ILA). Other topics include information on supporters and opponents of the bill, the bill's resemblance to the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and how the bill puts the burden of determining legitimate research on patrons and librarians.

Describes how the Bloomington Public Library use automation to improve contact with its patrons in Illinois. Production of a mailing label program; Development of programs for senior citizens; Development of letter for adult patrons.

The article reports on the suspension of plans to install fingertip recognition software on library computers in Naperville, Ill. The stated reason was software incompatibility, although many library and civil liberties groups opposed the idea. The software would have served to identify library users who abused the public terminals.

Reports that the Naperville Public Library in Illinois will install fingerprint scanners on computers that offer either public Internet access or require a time limit on usage. Report that the scanners will help parents control their children's Internet access; Claim of library deputy director Mark West that the scanners cannot be cross-referenced with law enforcement databases.

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.

This article focuses on the Homer Township Public Library District in Homer Glen, Illinois. The library has been ahead of the technology curve ever since it transformed its Web site into a blog more than two years ago. Patrons can instant message their questions to librarians. The library also has a working wiki.

Reports that one month after the Oak Lawn Public Library, Illinois, board of trustees voted to allow parents to restrict their children from access to adult materials, a second vote resulted in a setback for the policy. Reaction of librarians to the vote to rescind; Community support for the library; Issues of access restriction.

Focuses on expansion of an independent study program by a branch of the Great River, Illinois, Library System. Inclusion of courses scheduled on a circuit of member libraries; Chance for system patrons to attend free educational programs.