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LIBRARIES, CHILDREN, AND THE INTERNET
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR PARENTS
 Why
is the Internet important for children?
What is the role of
libraries?
What is the role of
librarians?
What
can parents do about their children accessing
inappropriate material on the Internet?
How does the Citrus
County Library System protect
children from accessing inappropriate
material on
the Internet?
What about filtering?
Why
is the Internet important for children?
The Internet is changing how we live, learn, work, and interact with one
another. If today's children are to succeed as adults, they must learn
information technology skills.
What
is the role of libraries?
Libraries provide access to the Internet in the same way they provide
books, videos, and other materials. 1998 National Survey of Public Library
Outlet Connectivity: Final Report, estimates that 92.9% off all public
libraries now have at least basic access to the Internet.
What
is the role of librarians?
Librarians are experts at selecting, organizing, and categorizing
information so that it is easy to find and use. Today, we are applying
those same skills to cyberspace to allow you and your child the advantage
of the vast resources it offers. Librarians are partners with parents.
They are there to answer questions and guide children to quality Web sites
the same way they recommend books and other resources.
What can parents do
about their children accessing inappropriate material on the Internet?
There is much concern about children's use of this new technology.
Teaching your child to make wise choices is one of the most important
things a parent can do. Spending time online with your child is one of the
best ways to learn and to teach responsibility, good conduct, and values
that are important to you. Ask children to share their favorite Web Sites
and what they like about them. Help them discover Web Sites that can help
them with their homework, hobbies, and other special interests. It is
critical that your children have your guidance as they learn to use the
Internet. Just as you teach your child rules about dealing with strangers
outside the home, you must provide rules for communicating online. Before
letting your child go online, set and discuss family rules for 1)
appropriate material and ways for kids to explore the Web and 2) with whom
they can communicate.
How
does the Citrus County
Library System protect children from
accessing
inappropriate material on the Internet?
The Citrus County Library System formulated its proactive educational
approach around the concept of guiding and protecting children. This
includes providing educational literature about the Internet for parents
and children, public presentations showing responsible use of the
Internet, and a children's Web Page "Kid
Stuff" with a multitude of educational and fun activities.
The following are being utilized to guide children in the use of the
Internet:
Literature.
Please be sure to pick-up the "The
Librarian's Guide To Cyberspace for Parents and Kids" brochure
with information on the Internet and a listing of over 50 great Web
sites. To ensure your child's online safety, help yourself to the
"5 Online Safety Tips for Online Parents" information
sheet.
Web Site. Visit the Library System's
"Kid Stuff" Web site with
recommended sites for children and teens. The site was created to assist
children in finding age and topic-appropriate sites.
Public Internet Presentations. To
learn more about the Internet, register for a free introductory course
offered at all three Region Libraries.
Standards of Acceptable Library Behavior.
The Library System's computer workstations are located in public areas
of each branch. What patrons view is not private. Patrons are expected
to be considerate of other library users and refrain from displaying
materials that might reasonably be considered objectionable. In
accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 847.011(1)(a) and Chapter
847.0133(1), displaying obscene materials to minors or printing such
materials may be a violation of the law and could result in penalties up
to and including imprisonment. Patrons are expected to conduct
themselves at all times in a manner that does not interfere with others
and that is in keeping with the nature of the library's programs and
services. Anyone who disregards these purposes is subject to removal
from the building and/or restriction of library privileges.
What
about filtering?
Blocking software often gives parents a false sense of security. The Web
contains over 250 million web pages, with thousands added each day. The
information on existing Web sites is constantly being changed and
increased. It is impossible for any one software program to block out
every conceivable Web page with inappropriate material. There is no 100%
effective way for a computer software program to make distinctions between
illegal and legal information. Blocking software restricts access to the
Internet content through a variety of means. It may scan a Web site's
content based on keywords, phrases, or strings of text. It may also
restrict access based on the source of the information or through a
ratings system. Filters have been known to block sites with health
information and a wide range of other sites such as that of golfer Fred
Couples and the Mars Exploration site (MARSEXPL). An information search on
"breast" blocks Web Sites and discussion groups about breast
cancer. According to a story in The Washington Post, a software vendor's
"own test of a sample of Web Sites found that the software allowed
pornographic sites to get through and blocked 57 sites that did not
contain anything objectionable." Other methods include human review,
which needs continual updating to stay current. With over thousand web
pages being added daily, this becomes a difficult and less than effective
method and can provide a false sense of security. Currently, blocking
software is not the magical answer to protecting children from
inappropriate material on the Internet. With parents assistance, libraries
can help guide children to enjoy the benefits of the Internet, one of the
most innovative and exciting learning tools of the century. Libraries have
a long tradition of providing quality service to children and adults. This
continues to be one of the most important missions of your public library.
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