Fall2005.Q5.Response

Fall 2005 Question 5

Benefits of filtering
 * Libraries have always restricted choices so this is not a new practice.
 * Filters restrict access to materials not in collection so is not a legal concern
 * The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of filters for children

Disadvantages of Filtering
 * Overblocks—blocks sites that were not intended to be blocked. Example will block out any sites that have the word “breast” so students could never research about “breast cancer”
 * Privacy—Filtering may monitor internet use so may jeopardize the confidentiality of users
 * There are other ways to restrict access to inappropriate sites—such as direct supervision of children when on the computer, preselect websites for students when working on a homework assignment