Argues that Internet filters are censorship tools that rob librarians of their materials selection responsibility. Six factors that make filters unacceptable are listed. The discussion covers pornography; filter improvements; proposals and solutions; ALA (American Library Association) Bill of Rights to Electronic Information; and library policy…

A discussion with the staff of the Internet Public Library (IPL), which began as a project at the University of Michigan, highlights its role in supplementing local public library services; classification; collection development policies; and the impact of legislation, copyright, and universal service on IPL. A sidebar presents IPL user…

Examines issues and decision-making involved in restricting Internet access in libraries, for the most part favoring filtering devices. Questions to consider when selecting a filtering program are provided. Some of the better filtering programs are described, and Web addresses are included for each. Security risks associated with Java and…

Examines the law for libraries, i.e. potential risks and liabilities of regulating, or not regulating, Internet access and use. Discusses the Communications Decency Act, use of filtering software, Internet policies, liability under local criminal statutes, ordinances for disseminating child pornography, obscene material, and hostile work…

This paper focuses on ethics for librarians and library science in the age of electronic information. First outlined is the "public relations nightmare" that the Internet is creating for the administrators and the library staff. It is suggested that libraries pick a common sense approach that involves the library staff and community and…

The September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States have contributed greatly to a change in the information environment around the world. The weeks following the attacks saw governments around the world rush to pass legislation designed to prevent future acts of terrorism. Much of this legislation targeted information flow, especially on the…

Discusses the vital role policy plays in the effective delivery of information services over the Internet, as well as the need to keep policies at a minimum so as not to impede users' creativity and imaginative powers when online. Provides four examples from community college libraries. (NB)

Reviews problems with using blocking software to regulate children's access to areas of the Internet deemed inappropriate. Discusses how blocking software functions, and provides examples of types of consequences that can result. Points out an upcoming court case on the use of blocking software by public libraries and schools. (DSK)

Supports the use of filtering software by parents, schools, and libraries as a least restrictive alternative to criminal prosecution to restrict the availability of pornographic materials on the Internet. Argues that filtering programs work well and do not make most of the mistakes attributed to them by detractors. (DSK)