Readings Reactions Week 11

John Bertot

Public Access Technologies in Public Libraries: Effects and Implications

This article covered the extensive issues public-access technology (PAT) has created in libraries. It discusses the most common problems in funding, necessary technical support, and training.

The section “External Pressures on PAT” talked about users expecting to have a “‘MyLibrary.com’ experience that allows for seamless integrations across the library’s services but also facilitates the use of personal technologies” This pressure to be like Google and other commercial online experiences reminded me of an article from my reference class, Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries by Jack Maness. This article talked more about how libraries could use new technologies, like social media, to provide a more integrated library/user experience.

In the “Discussion and Implications” section Bertot says that successful libraries “articulate the value of PAT as an essential community need and public library service.” This seems to be a reoccurring issue in our readings, letting the public know we have more to offer than books.

Wendy Adamson

Sex in the City: What Happened at the Minneapolis Public Library

This article discusses how the unfettered use of the Internet on public computers left many MPL librarians feeling harassed and unsure of how to reconcile their commitment to intellectual freedom with obscenity laws.

The patron behavior described in this article seemed outrageous to me. I wondered if the issues described by the author might be specific to the time they occurred. In the 90’s, the Internet was new and the world was still developing rules to govern its use. While laws are still being proposed to govern Internet usage today, I think it is less of a novelty now, and not used to shock others, as it was in this article.

Todd Anten

"Please Disable The Entire Filter": Why Non-Removable Filters On Public Library Computers Violate The First Amendment

This article presents a detailed and well-supported case for the illegality of non-removable filters on public library computers.

In the US vs ALA case, I was surprised that the dissent of Justice Souter didn’t hold any sway over the rest of the court. He “felt that because the statute only said that a library ‘may’ and not ‘must’ unblock, the plurality wrongly accepted the Solicitor General’s assurances when the text provided no such promise.” This non-guarantee of First Amendment rights seems like a very important detail to me.

A Comer

Studying Indiana Public Libraries' Usage of Internet Filters

This article discusses the similarity of Indiana Internet filtering trends with the national trends.

I am probably biased, but some of the quotes from librarians in favor of filtering seemed directly opposed to the idea of intellectual freedom. One said, "We would probably not offer Internet service to the public if we could not have some kind of filtering program. The public seems to appreciate the effort. ALA undermines its other objectives by seeming so obstinate on this issue." For a library to consider not offering Internet service because it can’t control what its patrons see on it is willfully encouraging ignorance.

Jaeger, P. I., & Zheng, Y

One Law with Two Outcomes: Comparing the Implementation of CIPA in Public Libraries and Schools

This article looked at how the CIPA law has been implemented in public schools and public libraries.

I understand the need to filter the Internet in schools, since their user population is almost entirely under age 18, and thus subject to to laws against material "harmful to minors." I think a better solution should be enacted in libraries, who serve diverse age groups, to make sure adults are still able to exercise their First Amendment rights.