Daily News Article - May 15, 2007
1. Why did some libraries in Illinois block access to the internet yesterday?
2. Why do these librarians oppose the pending legislation?
3. For what reasons does David Smith, director of the Illinois Family Institute, support the legislation?
4. How does Mr. Smith refute the following arguments made by the Illinois Library Association (ILA) for why they oppose the Internet Screening in Public Libraries Act?
a) The ILA says that studies show that filters consistently block important information on science, health, political and social issues and regularly allow objectionable material to get through.
b) The ILA says that paying for filters diverts scarce resources from limited technology budgets -- money that could go to buying more computers and paying for more reliable and faster Internet access.
5. Read the summary of the Illinois State Legislature proposed bill "Internet Filters for Public Libraries", Bill #: HB1727
Bill Summary:
Creates the Internet Screening in Public Libraries Act. Provides that each public library must have a technology protection measure to prevent the display on a public computer of any visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. Authorizes enforcement by the Attorney General or an individual. Provides that each public library must annually certify, under penalty of perjury, its compliance with this Act. Allows a public library to disable the technology protection measure for an adult engaged in legitimate research or some other lawful purpose. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Internet Screening in Public Libraries Fund. Fines under the Act are to be deposited into the Fund. Amounts in the Fund are to be used by the State Librarian, subject to appropriation, to implement and administer the Act. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.
Do you support this law? Explain your answer.
6. With which side do you agree:
--Librarians (and the American Library Association) who say that filters don't work - they filter out legitimate information, they are too costly, and also that they infringe on a person's first amendment rights, or
--parents, legislators, law enforcement who say that filters are necessary in libraries because they prevent children from viewing sexually graphic websites, as well as prevent pedophiles from viewing child porn in the library
Explain your answer.