Studying Indiana Public Libraries' Usage of Internet Filters.

This article presents results of a survey on how Indiana's public libraries allow the citizens they serve access to the Internet. From the survey responses, it is clear that many Indiana libraries follow the national trend in restricting patrons on their use of public computers. However, a few of the responding libraries hold different perspectives. While some library managers feel it is within their purview to set limitations, others insist that patrons be responsible for themselves. Some librarians believe they must uphold their community's conservative values and use filtering software, others view filtering as intrusive and unnecessary. Staff members at public libraries contend with First Amendment issues on a daily basis. To help them deal with these difficult issues, it is important to provide up-to-date information on new filtering software and to discuss what software can and cannot do. It is also important to determine the Internet usage needs of library patrons and to discuss ways to facilitate their needs while preserving library policies. While it is apparent that no single policy could possibly serve all the needs of the varied public libraries in Indiana, further research and discussion about which policies work and why would benefit both libraries and patrons.