Re: (Fwd) Porn and Public Access - Tx Telecom Jrnl (fwd)

[Laurie Blakley <lauriean@u.washington.edu>]

I have been following this discussion, and it occurs to me that a
temporary solution would be to designate some terminals as restricted
access. Those restricted terminals would not have blocking software, only
people over 18 could use them, and folks would need to sign up for time
slots. The sign up sheet could have disclaimer that failure to close all
active windows when the session ends will result in the user not being
allowed access restricted machines.  As to library staff being forced to
help patrons look up pornographic materials, the rule could be that
library staff show people *how* to look up things, and choose the
examples.  The patron could then be given a hand out with step by step
usage instructions in case they forget.  I also think it would be
appropriate to have a rule that looking up materials that are illegal
could result in suspended terminal privileges as well. This does not
assume that every adult is looking for pornography or illegal items, and I
think that children could accompany parents to restricted terminals
(parents, not just any adult). 

I agree that this is a sticky issue and I tend to be kind of adamant that
banning what kind of pages can be on the web is not good.  To me, it is
the same as banning books, or telling reporters what news they can or
cannot print.  Yes, I have children.  No, I do not own blocking software
on my own computer.  I would NEVER tell a librarian I don't want my kids
seeing "x" book, or "y" web page.  I expect my children to ask questions,
get straight answers, and make their own decisions.  I expect
professionals will help them with age appropriate material.  I wish others
would see things that way too...but my experience is that most people are
uncomfortable with what they choose not to understand, thus problems such
as the above arise. I wish the folks in Texas good luck in finding a
solution acceptable to everyone. They'll need it! 


Laurie Blakley
Interlibrary Loan Technician
Gallagher Law Library

On Wed, 9 Apr 1997, Kirsten Tozer wrote:

> Sexual harassment may be a case of what offends any given person's
> sensibilities.  In my department what I would consider to be pornographic
> images have been left on the computer screens behind the active window so
> that when we go around at night closing applications to shut the computers
> down these images appear.  Some may consider this harassment.  I choose to
> think of it (in this instance, at least) as juvenile humor.  I agree with
> your statement that people harass, but I think your point is a semantic one
> rather than ideological.
> 
> 
> 
> At 11:42 PM 4/8/97 -0500, Bill Michtom wrote:
> >>>  (One library union rep also warns the Internet could cause 
> >>>  sexual harassment of workers.)
> >
> >What?!?
> >
> >To paraphrase the NRA: The Internet doesn't sexually harass. *People*
> >sexually harass.
> >Does anyone know what the alleged reasoning is here?