Last Chance on Filtering

ALAWON
Congressional leaders are now threatening to continue this session of Congress through Election Day. From day to day, prospects swing wildly for passage of the Labor, HHS, Education appropriations bill (H.R. 4577). One thing that has not wavered in recent days is the apparent Congressional determination to retain the filtering rider within the bill.


Most congressional offices are claiming to have heard very little from the library community on the filtering issue. Now is the time to make library voices heard. A concerted effort by the entire field is the only chance for removal of this onerous, bureaucratic, resource-hogging burden.

ALAWON
Congressional leaders are now threatening to continue this session of Congress through Election Day. From day to day, prospects swing wildly for passage of the Labor, HHS, Education appropriations bill (H.R. 4577). One thing that has not wavered in recent days is the apparent Congressional determination to retain the filtering rider within the bill.


Most congressional offices are claiming to have heard very little from the library community on the filtering issue. Now is the time to make library voices heard. A concerted effort by the entire field is the only chance for removal of this onerous, bureaucratic, resource-hogging burden. If you already filter and receive E-rate, LSTA or ESEA funds – THIS AFFECTS YOU


* If you are an academic library receiving LSTA funds – THIS AFFECTS YOU


* If you benefit from the E-rate or LSTA through a consortium – THIS AFFECTS YOU


* If your library or school cannot forego federal assistance to connect to the Internet – THIS AFFECTS YOU


Filtering proponents are claiming to have addressed local control issues by allowing communities to choose whatever technology they see fit to block or filter material that is obscene, is child pornography, or is harmful to minors. The end result is still a huge investment of time, money and additional resources to an issue that most libraries have already adequately addressed.


All library supporters need to CALL or FAX all of their legislators to voice opposition to this measure immediately. Let them know that the filtering rider is an onerous, bureaucratic burden that will rob vital resources from all types of vital library services. The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121. Fax numbers can be found at http://congress.ala.org. Please CALL or FAX and pass this message on to other library supporters and encourage them to call as well.