LIBRARY COMMISSION POLICY COMMITTEE, a committee of the whole

March 1, 2004

 

Present:  Chairman Barbara Garvey, Janet Edwards, Rudy Ruggeri, Helen Boyle,

Bettye Webb, Vera O’Connor. Absent:  Jan Denney

 

Citizens:  Four citizens from three branches

 

Computer Use Policy  This policy review was driven by requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act which required internet filters for all computer work stations including staff work stations.   At Springfield libraries, filters have been used for computers accessed by minors, meaning all children’s room computers and all branch library computers.  However, filters are seen as ineffective because they block legitimate sites (e.g. medical sites) and many people, including many children, know how to block them.  Furthermore, they are expensive and require staff time, particularly to make adjustments when daylight savings time begins and ends and, at branches, to disable filters for adult patrons and re-install them afterwards.  Manufacturers are said to refuse to disclose standards for what it blocked.

 

            Options for the Commission boil down to 1.  filtering everything, 2.  filtering nothing, 3. doing what we do now which is to try to filter what is available to children.

 

Cost is not seen as a significant factor.  Despite the important  philosophical issues involved here, complaints are fairly infrequent.  Breaches of the library’s internet policy with regard to display of pornographic or inappropriate imagery are relatively infrequent as well.  The most frequent internet access problem is caused by the use of more than one library card so as to extend the length of time one may be on the internet.  Patrons who are upset at having their internet privileges suspended tend to be those who use the central library; those who object to being cut off by line staff are referred to the library director.  At the present time, a library card is not required to use a library computer, although the system seems to be moving in that direction.  Computer screens in the children’s rooms are positioned so that they can be seen by the reference librarian nearby.

 

VOTE:  Commissioners voted 4-1 (Commissioner Boyle opposed) in favor of dropping all filters.

 

            There followed a discussion of how best to communicate to parents the library’s internet policy, the fact that computers are not filtered, and the role of library staff in enforcing the library’s internet policy.  A flyer will be prepared to be included in the packet sent to parents of children receiving a library card and steps will be taken to install a pop-up summary of the library system’s internet policy that will be displayed whenever a patron signs on.  Professional staff rather than volunteers or security guards are seen as the appropriate intervener when patrons, particularly children, are seen to be violating the library’s internet policy.  The revised internet policy will be posted on the library website and will be presented to the commission at its next meeting.

Policy on the Use of Library Space for Various Gatherings  A preliminary discussion was held on the meeting room policy which will be discussed in depth at the next meeting of the policy committee.  At present, library space is available to non-profit educational and cultural groups, but not to political or religious groups.  Priority is given to library purposes and the Friends of the Library.  Larger issues involved include freedom of speech, assembly, and religion as well as the separation of church and state.  A citizen suggested that some groups (e.g. genealogical and astronomy groups) which have been using space in other Quadrangle buildings might now want to use the library space and  make a donation which would amount to less than the Quad is presently charging.  Emily has made a study of how other city departments handle such requests which she will present at the next meeting.  She has also held preliminary discussions with Pat Markey on this matter.  Rental fees have been set with the idea of breaking even rather than making a profit.

 

            Commissioners found this preliminary discussion helpful.  They will try to review two policies at each projected 1 ½ hour session.

 

            The meeting was adjourned at 5:22.