The Internet and Censorship

Fast-Forward to the 90s

In 1996, the Library Services and Technologies Act was passed in the United States to provide federal funding for libraries providing access to technical resources. This helps all types of libraries implement computer classes, introduce new technologies, provide assistive devices, help with resumes, job searches, and more (ALA, 2017). Libraries have come a long way since fumbling through figuring out computers in the mid 70s and 80s and it's now standard to have computers available in libraries across the country. With the rise of the internet, that opened up many more opportunities for libraries as well as encounters for new and serious challenges.

Internet Services

An article from Computers in Libraries in 1995 highlights the Carroll County Public Library for offering email services to patrons. It details how the library will offer free internet and email accounts to patrons and are commended on being innovative and a library of the future (Commings, 1995). Soon after, many other libraries also provide internet services. In a survey conducted by Harry Kibirige showed that how frequently library users from six New York libraries from 1997-200 used the internet and what they used it for. 44% of the users used it daily; another 41% used the internet weekly, leaving 15% using it monthly. Not surprisingly the survey also shows that users used search engines 78% of the time and databases only 22%. The article stressed that even though efforts are being made by these libraries to educate users on databases, more needs to be done to help the public use databases for more reliable searching (Kibirige, 2001).

Challenges

Soon everything is going to start sounding very familiar because most of the challenges libraries faced at the dawn of the internet are unfortunately still relevant issues today. Initially, problems with the internet had to do with cost and connection. In the early years, telephone lines were required for online services, and libraries were facing potential extra charges for online database services that required telecommunication. In 1987 ALA, MLA, and SLA strongly protested these charges (DeCandido, 1987).

Another early problem that is actually still a small problem today is equal access to the internet. News articles from Library Journal in 1994 and later a study conducted in 2007 published by Internet Technology and Libraries both show similar results. While in 1994 it was understandable that not every library in the United States had access to the internet as it was a newer technology and it was easier to acquire in urban areas over rural areas. It recommends that while progress is being made to grow internet access it is important to the values that public libraries uphold to provide equal access to information that more progress should be made to ensure that all libraries have internet access (School Library Journal, 1994). The 2007 study acknowledged between 2004 and 2006 most libraries in the United States have internet access, however, there is still a lot of unequal access due to how much money each library can budget to purchase bandwidth and whether or not each library can support the needs of their patrons. It highlights specific states that do very well to meet patron needs with their internet and technology programs and which states that have more libraries that are unable to meet those needs (Jaeger, et. al, 2007).

Censorship

By far, the biggest issue between libraries and the internet is the topic of censorship. The internet at its core is an unfiltered, limitless mass of information that unprotected can leave many dangerous, harmful, and inappropriate content for anyone to access. The notion of censorship goes against the ALA Code of Ethics that state "We uphold the principles of Intellectual Freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources." However, attempts have been made and librarians have been pushed to censor materials to protect children in particular, but also prevent adult users from viewing pornography and banning child pornography (which is already illegal). A clipping from 1997 issue of American libraries shows both sides of the debate and arguments about the ineffectiveness of internet censorship. In 2000, the Children's Internet Protection Act was signed into law and it encourages libraries to filter pornography or anything inappropriate for minors on all public computers - libraries who receive funding through LSTA are supposed to comply with this regulation. However, it's argued these filters ban actual useful information for children and teens for educational purposes, and other resources such as LGBTQ websites and other non-harmful sites. In addition, many of these precautions have been proven faulty and pornography as well as other material that would be deemed inappropriate has been able to get through (Reitman, 2013).