U.S. public libraries provide free public internet services to the communities that they serve, but require robust, high-speed broadband internet connections to continue meeting public demands. The 2008-2009 "Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study" ("PLFTAS") illustrates challenges that public libraries encounter in achieving broadband…

Discusses library policy and Internet access, highlighting (1) legal distinctions between books and the Internet; (2) ways to restrict access without violating First Amendment rights; (3) the library as a limited public forum rather than a traditional public forum; and (4) the library's governmental interest in protecting children. (PEN)

Describes the process used by one public library to update their policy on children's Internet use. Topics include forming a committee with as many stakeholders as possible; community involvement and support; balancing library values and community needs; and giving parents the responsibility to choose filtered Internet access or open access. (LRW)

There are no foolproof solutions to Internet access in libraries. This article lists selected library solutions, what not to do, and what to do: pick a common-sense approach, focus on customer service, keep an open mind, avoid accepting or repeating hearsay, and find common ground. Includes highlights of the Orange County (FL) Library System's…

Suggests that libraries are doing children a disservice by not providing them with a reviewed/evaluated version of the Web. Discusses children's use of the library; the nature of information on the World Wide Web; and children's information seeking skills. Describes a simple method that can be used to protect children while still protecting adult…

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…

Public libraries implementing public access to the Internet are faced with making new usage policies. This study examined 75 public library Internet access policies and identifies 26 policy elements. Finds consensus in disclaimers for libraries, parental responsibility for children, warnings about potentially offensive material, and loss of…

Describes and critiques emerging issues about Internet access in schools and school libraries. Discusses software products for filtering and rating expressive content on the Internet, reader-response-theory implications for filtering and rating Internet content, ambiguities, and the role of school librarians and acceptable-use policies. (AEF)

Reviews the technological, political, professional, and educational issues associated with filtering or blocking access to electronic information. Suggests strategies for handling the unique situations that might arise in school libraries and outlines age-appropriate alternatives to filtering. (AEF)

The public library has become the locus for public anxiety about children's access to objectionable material on the Internet. Discusses Judith Krug's (Director of the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom) defense of unrestricted access, acceptable use, and filtering software. Highlights six filtering programs (client and…

Discusses how to, or whether to, limit access to objectionable material available through the Internet in public and school libraries. Topics include the American Library Association's position; intellectual freedom; filters; personal responsibility; parental responsibility; censorship; creating choices; and policies and staff training to help…

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…

Plots trends in the growth of Internet use. Discusses pornography on the Web, using filters, and the ALA response. Reports results of a survey of Internet availability within Pennsylvania public libraries. Findings indicate more than 90% of respondents offer access to the Internet, nearly 80% do not use filters, and 50% attempt to control access…

Discussion of censorship in school libraries focuses on Australia. Topics include control of content and access to digital texts, including filtering and Internet access; print resources; documented library policies; the core purpose of school libraries and selecting materials for library collections; and examples of challenges. (LRW)

To prevent vastly different Internet access policies from creating uneven service for patrons from community to community, the author argues that librarians, as the logical champions, must define "universal service." Offers hardware, software, Internet functions, training, and service as some of the elements of access that should be…