Since the inception of this blog, the idea was to get in touch with other people who are already trying to get things changed in regards to banning the open use of hard-core pornography in the Chicago Public Library. (After all, why reinvent the wheel?)
In my research, I found several people who have worked hard to make these changes. As a result, I discovered information on HB1727. At this point, I'm in the process of drafting letters to the sponsors.
It seems to be on hold or maybe even nixed at this point. We need to know why. Why was it stopped? What can we do to get this in public consciousness? What can we do to get things changed?
At any rate - check back in the next week or two for those letters and possibly more updates.
Friday, November 14, 2008
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I've been following your posts for awhile, and I agree with most of your actions/reactions in your quest.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for me to imagine a library condoning access to pornography in their library. Without debating the morality of pornography, it suffices to say that it is nearly always offensive to those who are exposed to it.
I also support your persistent attempts to contact your local librarians & city officials, as these are the people who should be held accountable for issues with the library.
We differ in opinion, however, on HB1727. As you've stated before, filters are not perfect and therefore cannot eliminate pornography in libraries. It follows then that a bill mandating filtering is an imperfect solution at best, and at worst a burden on libraries who have strictly enforced anti-pornography policies for internet users.
I strongly support the latter approach; a local librarian taking a stance against pornography on library computers is much more effective than the most complex filtering software.
Unfortunately, politics being as they are, HB1727 is being sold as a panacea to pornography in libraries. Filters do not necessarily make the library a safer place, and without community & library staff support, can have the opposite effect of creating a false sense of security for library patrons. To tell a parent that their child could never access pornography at a library with filtered internet would be a lie.
Your approach of local action and appeal to local-decision makers, while at times frustrating, is a much wiser approach, and I sincerely hope that you are successful in effecting change.
I also encourage you to reflect before endorsing HB1727, or at least ask the sponsors about their understanding of filters and why they should be mandated in every library.
Mozzie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to let me know your thoughts on this. I appreciate the fact that you're willing to share your point of view. You make a lot of good points and I will be sure to keep them in mind.
Thank you.