Spring+2006+Question+2+Response

Spring 2006 Question #2
There is a historical tension between the issues of censorship and intellectual freedom throughout the information professions, and this tension will likely continue in the future. Many libraries are coming under public scrutiny for allowing Internet access to users without controlling content with such devices as filtering software. Select ONE library environment of your choice (academic, school media center, public, special) and identify the core issues related to this debate and their potential impact on your users in the selected library setting. Develop and justify appropriate policy for your library.

[|ALA Policy on Censorship]

Library Environment: School Library

Issues with Filters Reasons For Filters
 * Appropriate for school age children because it follows the same policy as collection development. Would a school librarian buy print copies of pornographic materials?
 * Protects students from potentially harmful exposure.

Reasons Against Filters
 * Denies access to some users but not others.
 * Discriminates on the basis of age, a violation of the Library Bill of Rights
 * Filters have not been shown to be successful.
 * Impedes flow of ideas.