Internet
Filtering in Public Libraries
The
Canadian Librarian Association
The Canadian Library Association has a discussion page regarding Internet
access in public libraries, with embedded links to further papers and
discussions that inform their position. These include the association's
position papers on Internet access, intellectual freedom, and its statement
on information and telecommunication access principles. The CLA's position
highlights education, leadership, limited restrictions, and parental and
institutional responsibility.
The
American Library Association
The American Library Association's 1997 resolution on Internet filtering
is a little dated given all that has transpired since then, but it provides
a good background for the ongoing Supreme Court debate on the subject.
Recent developments on the subject can be found at http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/
inet
Toolbox
This Calgary-based toolbox site provides links and resources concerning
Internet filtering, Internet filtering rating systems, censorship criteria,
and software vendors. The site offers access to discussion forums, organisational
position papers, legal analysis, and product evaluation.
PICS
from the World Wide Web Consortium
The World Wide Web Consortium has developed the Platform for Internet
Content Selection (PICS) as a method of providing metadata labels that
accompany Internet content. The site provides the technical standards
necessary for usage, a list of compatible services and products, examples
of innovative usage, and resources for software developers. It goes further,
however, and provides a discussion forum for PICS issues, responses to
PICS by users, and access to a number of articles concerning the subject.
Filtering
the Internet in American Public Libraries: Sliding Down the Slippery Slope
This article, written by Jeanette Allis Bastian and published in the online
journal First Monday, examines the issue of Internet filtering in American
public libraries. Bastian concludes that libraries cannot deny responsibility
for the information they provide access to. Historically, the librarian's
role is one of selection and adjudication, and a degree of control over
Internet access will likely be necessary.
InfoPeople
The InfoPeople organisation is focused on improved public Internet access
through training for library personnel. While much of the site's focus
is local (California), it does provide a wealth of links on topics such
as computer training, web development, and Internet usage and evaluation,
particularly in public libraries. Its "Search Tools" and "How to…" guides
are valuable resources.
Internet
Content Rating Association
The Internet Content Rating Association is an "international, independent
organization that empowers the public, especially parents, to make informed
decisions about electronic media by means of the open and objective labeling
of content. ICRA's dual aims are to protect children from potentially
harmful material and to protect free speech on the internet." The site
offers some basic information regarding filtering and offers a number
of downloads, including an Internet filter, a tool for labeling your site,
and a watermark generator to protect and trace images.
Censorship
on the Internet
This is a bibliography of articles regarding "Censorship
on the Internet" provided by librarian Marian Dworaczek, Head of Technical
Services at the University of Saskatchewan. Many of the entries include
hyperlinks to the articles, which allowing easy investigation and access
to qualified resources.
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