LISNews: Librarian News

Read this story from the Greenville News.

A Greenville County Library board with six new members aboard opened the possibility of filtering the Internet Wednesday by sending the controversial issue for a committee revamp.

\"I think site-oriented filtering might be the answer,\" said operations committee chairman Doug Churdar, a new member who said he will try to craft an Internet policy for board consideration within two months. Site filtering is a method of policing in which a filter blocks entire Web sites based on content rather than certain key words. -- Read More

The LA Times has a rather interesting look at filtering programs. It\'s a look at programs for use at home, by parents, as a way to control what their children see.The author, Lawrence J. Magid , compares the pros and cons of several popular filters.

\"Whether you use a filtering program, be sure to talk with your kids about safety on the Internet. Remind them to never give out any personal information or arrange a face-to-face visit with anyone they encounter online. Filtering technology has its place, but it\'s no substitute for old-fashioned parenting.\" -- Read More

The Freedom Forum has a nice article on the latest states (FL and PA) to attempt filtering in libraries Here.

In Florida, House Bill 1081, introduced on March 7, would require public libraries to install blocking software on half of their computers to prevent patrons from accessing \"materials that contain obscene descriptions, photographs, or depictions.\" Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering House Bill 2324, which would require both public schools and libraries to adopt acceptable-use policies. The Child Internet Protection Act would also require the use of blocking software.

They also have links to stories on four more states making filtering movesNJ AL UT and IN. -- Read More

The Houston Chronicle reports that the library in Montogomery County went against advice from the library advisory board, librarian and county attorney, and installed filters. Now that\'s a committment to censorship!

\"If we make an error, we need to make it on the side of the children,\" said County Judge Alan Sadler.

\"If a lawsuit is filed, we are going to come out on the short end of the stick\" said County Attorney Frank Bass on any challenges that will come up over the filters. -- Read More