Saratoga News

The Supreme Court says a library is a public forum

Last week, K.I.D.S.--Keep Internet Decent & Safe--staged demonstrations at libraries throughout the county, including the Saratoga Community Library. K.I.D.S. proposes that libraries in the county library system install filters, which the group argues would keep children from accessing inappropriate material while using the Internet in county libraries. The Saratoga News invited head librarian Dolly Barnes and Saratoga resident Teri Jones, a member of K.I.D.S., to present their views on the subject. --Editor

By Dolly Barnes

These busy summer days, the Saratoga Library is full of folks looking for a variety of traditional and new library services. The continued popularity of books and magazines is matched by newer expectations for audio books, videos and electronic information through online catalogs, periodical resources and the Internet.

Internet access at the public library is a challenging issue. Around the county and around the nation, people are discussing kids' access to the Internet. This amazing resource mirrors the best and worst of civilization. The World Wide Web provides impressive access to current information--from the latest medical treatments to the most up-to-date views of Mars. As parents and citizens, our first reaction is to protect kids from the negative aspects. But how can this best be accomplished in a public library?

Some suggest using filters to protect youngsters. However, as of today, filters pose both practical and legal problems. On the practical side, the filter software on the market right now is unreliable. No product is able to screen only pornographic sites. Instead, they screen out some acceptable and even desirable sites, while failing to restrict some truly pornographic links. The May issue of Consumer Reports investigated filters and reported, "None is totally effective. The Web changes too swiftly for even a full-time staff to maintain a complete list of adult sites. And a determined, computer-savvy child may very well be able to circumvent those restrictions anyway."

For home use, many families decide that the compromises are worthwhile. They can make judgments based on their youngsters' ages, interests and family values. Public libraries serve minors with a broad range of ages, maturity levels and values.

Public libraries also have serious constitutional concerns with this issue. The Supreme Court has recognized the public library as a public forum. The government cannot censor the forum to determine what you can know or what your children cannot know. It is the responsibility of individuals to choose for themselves and to provide guidance for their children.

How does all this play out in the Saratoga Library? Since late last summer, the library has provided full graphical access to the Internet on several of the catalog terminals. It has been a wildly popular service. The library offers many opportunities for everyone to learn about the Internet:

* Docent one-one training for new users is available several times a week.

* Children's librarians offer periodic classes on Internet resources for children.

* Bookmarks point to recommended sites for youngsters.

* Personal assistance is available from the reference staff.

* Plans are in the works for adult classes on special topics, such as specialized searching and job listings.

* Users are limited to 20-minute sessions when others are waiting, with a maximum of one hour per day, and no more than two people can use a machine at once.

The Santa Clara County Library, including the Saratoga Community Library, has not installed filters for the Internet. Rather than hand over decisions about library content to a private-sector vendor, the library leaves the guidance of children to their parents. Just like a park or mall, the library is a public place, so youngsters should not be left for extended periods of time without supervision.

As Saratogans consider the exciting prospect of planning local library service into the 21st century, the evolving demands and the role of technology will provide some important challenges for the whole community.

Dolly Barnes is the head librarian at the Saratoga Community Library.

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