The library media specialist must help learners become responsible information users in an information-rich, high-technology world.
Children shouldn't have access to the Internet.
Students should learn to be responsible users of the Internet.
Filtering software makes the Internet safe for children.
These are the kinds of remarks you may hear as you listen to conversations about filtering software in school libraries. You need to be informed about the current status of filtering issues to be able to make informed recommendations to your administration and school board.
What is filtering and what are the issues?
Internet filtering is the act of limiting access to information on the Internet. It involves censoring information based on specific criteria.
In 1997, the United States Supreme Court stated that communications over the Internet are protected under the First Amendment. They stated that libraries can make content available on the Internet by applying the same Constitutional protections that relate to books and other media. They stated that the required use of software filters to block protected speech violates the US Constitution.
Under the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) libraries and school receiving federal assistance for Internet access or grants under the Library Services Technology Act must have in place a policy that includes the user of "a 'technology protection measure' on Internet-connected computers that protects against access by all persons to 'visual depictions' that are 'obscene' or 'child pornography,' and that protects against access by minors to 'visual depictions' that are 'harmful to minors'" according to the First Amendment Center.
In 2003, the United States Supreme Court ruled that mandatory filtering in public libraries does not violate the First Amendment. Learn more at First Amendment Center.
Read
(1) Statement
on Library Use of Filtering Software, (2) Resolution
on Opposition to Federally Mandated Internet Filtering,
and (3) the Resolution
on the Use of Filtering Software in Libraries from the
American Library Association.
What is filtering software?
Filtering software is a program used on the web server to :
- limit access to specific information available in the Internet
- restrict access to websites based on keywords, color tones, or other information
Filtering software DO/DOES -
- restrict access to quality websites such as materials on breast cancer, health care, and other issues that might include "objectionable" words
- make it more difficult for teachers to help children learn responsible Internet use
- promote the producer's viewpoint on the community
Filtering software DOES NOT -
- get rid of all pornography, violence, and other "objectionable" materials
- catch many controversial issues
- evaluate the quality of information on the Internet
- eliminate the need for student supervision
- evaluate the age-appropriateness of websites
Read about Filters and Filtering from the American Library Association. This website links to many useful articles and resources on this topic.
Why is filtering software a problem for school libraries?
A school library is a publicly supported library as well as a publicly supported school department. Anything that restricted access to information based on viewpoint or content discrimination violates the First Amendment. Blocking software not only limits access to "objectionable" content, it also prevents access to works protected by the First Amendment and important for learning such as works of art, music, health information, and multiple perspectives.
A primary role of the teacher librarian is to assist students in making informed decisions about their informational needs and their own learning. Filters take away that role by making the decisions about what is acceptable and not acceptable information.
Read Just Give It to Me Straight: A Case Against Filtering the Internet by T. A. Callister, Jr., and Nicholas C. Burbules in Phi Delta Kappan, 85(9), 649-655, May 2004. The authors cite four reasons why parents and schools should reconsider the use of Internet filters. First, and most simply, filters don't work as advertised.
What questions should be asked before getting filtering software?
Many companies provide filtering services. Schools need to carefully examine and compare systems before buying. Ask the following questions:
- What are the specific criteria for blocking sites?
- Can teachers add or remove websites from the restricted list without much effort?
- Can teachers turn the system on and off based on whether guidance is available?
What are alternatives to filtering systems?
Acceptable Use Policy. Your school and school library should have an Acceptable Use Policy that states what is acceptable in terms of network and Internet use. Students, teachers, and parents should be aware of the contents of this policy.
Read Checklist for Creating an Internet Use Policy. Although this article focuses on libraries of all kinds, it will be useful in developing your school policy.
Student Supervision. When students are supervised, the teacher can guide students to make responsible decisions about Internet use.
Pathfinders. Many schools are limiting student use of the Internet to specific pathfinders and websites that have been developed by educators to meet particular curricular needs.
Responsible Use. Helping students to become responsible users of information is an important role of teacher librarians.
Read Libraries and the Internet Toolkit from the American Library Association for ideas on helping students responsible users of Internet.
Check Your Understanding
Information
Power: Information Access and Delivery - Principle 4.
The library media
program requires flexible and equitable access to information, ideas,
resources for learning. (p. 83, 89)
Read the questions at Libraries and First Amendment. Can you answer these questions? If no, click the View All Answers option at the bottom of the screen and read the answers.
Make It Real
The school board would like you to discuss the pros and cons to filtering systems.
What are your recommendations?
Read More About It
Callister, T.A. & Burbules, Nicholas C. Just Give It to Me Straight: A Case Against Filtering the Internet, Phi Delta Kappan, 85(9), 649-655, May 2004.
http://www.pdkintl.org/kappan/k0405cal.htm
The authors cite four reasons why parents and schools should reconsider the use of Internet filters. First, and most simply, filters don't work as advertised.