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

[David Remington <daverem@povn.com>]

Michael Schuyler wrote:
> 
> On Wed, 9 Apr 1997, DUNHAM Patricia R wrote:
> 
> > ? How can a library patron "compel" a library worker to do any such
> > thing?  I mean, isn't that what supervisors and co-workers are for?  --
> > For backup, that is?  What library worker is going to get into trouble
> > with their management for declining to assist a patron if the worker
> 
> Let me make one thing clear here: I'm not supporting or detracting any of
> the statements I have heard. The point is that these kind of statements
> are what we as library professionals are being told. The fact that you or
> I take umbrage with these many and varied legal opinions is really beside
> the point. We are not lawyers. As a result, our administrations and our
> Boards of Trustees, and our City Councils will be influenced by all these
> lawyers spouting opinions.
> 
> Anyone can sue anyone or thing for anything they want to regardless. What
> we really need here is case law to support one position or another. We
> need a few cases that test the "sexual harrassment" opinion and see them
> dismissed or lost before we can definitively say that kind of argument
> does not hold water. On the other hand, what if it does? We simply do not
> know.
> 
> The second, and probably more important issue here is the library's
> reputation and standing in the community, the way the library defends its
> position on intellectual freedom, and how the library handles complaints
> from parents and others who really couldn't care less about the Library
> Bill of Rights. This is kind of a "second front" we have to help each
> other deal with.
> 
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> Michael Schuyler:     Voice:(360) 405-9139 michael@linknet.kitsap.lib.wa.us


Michael's "second and more important" issue is really vital to address.
This Internet "crisis" is full of danger as well as opportunity. It is
an opportunity to lead [to have to lead] as much as we can this "herd of
cats" issue and haul our customers' and our own perceptions' of
libraries as community leaders into this new age.

Dave Remington