An issue concerning Internet filtering brought censorship issues close to home last week as Pelham Town Council considered the Cambridge resolution which would have ordered filtering on all public library and school computers.In a Pelham News/Welland Tribune story, it was reported that Councillor Sharon Cook "who originally suggested supporting the Cambridge resolution favoured receiving it without support after the library's report."
Stephanie Stowe, Library Director at the Pelham Public Library urged town council not to adopt the resolution, stating that Internet filters also block legitimate sites such as Facebook, YouTube and medical sites. She believes it is the responsibility of the library board, not the province, to address this issue. The Pelham Public Library has not had any negative incidents since 2004. Incident reports dropped dramatically when the public internet stations were moved closer to the public service desk. Stated Stowe, "Our most effective practice is situating our Internet machines in a prominent public area. The public seems to be an extremely effective deterrent."
The Pelham Public Library challenges you to take the Banned Book Challenge. This challenge will run until June 30, 2009.
1 comment:
too many twits want to impose their own standards on everyone else GRRRRR
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