We might as well declare it that as there have been so many filtering stories this week. Here is another from Michigan Live about a library that spent $85,000 for a filtering system (plus $17,000 per year in support costs). Granted, they \”had\” to do something, but do you know how many books $85,000 could buy?
\”The Kent District Library Board on Tuesday decided to fund an Internet filter system they say is cost-effective and also complies with requirements of a new state law to shield minors from offensive materials.\”
We might as well declare it that as there have been so many filtering stories this week. Here is another from Michigan Live about a library that spent $85,000 for a filtering system (plus $17,000 per year in support costs). Granted, they \”had\” to do something, but do you know how many books $85,000 could buy?
\”The Kent District Library Board on Tuesday decided to fund an Internet filter system they say is cost-effective and also complies with requirements of a new state law to shield minors from offensive materials.\”
\”The board voted 5-1 to spend $85,000 for the Smart Access Manager program. The filtering system will cost the district $17,000 a year in support costs.\”
\”In contrast, officials said, having staff members at all 18 branches monitor Internet computers — which the current policy calls for — would cost about $625,000 annually in employee time.\”
\”Internet access for patrons under 18 will be limited beginning in October.\”
\”Kent District Library\’s decision comes as public library systems grapple with the law, which requires public libraries to prevent minors from gaining access to obscene or sexually explicit matter on Internet computers. It takes effect Oct. 1.\”
\”Also on Tuesday, officials in Holland — where earlier this year voters rejected a ballot measure that would have required Herrick District Library to install filters or lose tax money — held a forum to gauge public opinion on how the library should comply with the law.\”
\”The Kent district library\’s purchase represents a change in its philosophy of unrestricted access to information for all
ages. Staff members recommended buying filters as the most cost effective way of upholding the law.\”
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