With hundreds of public computers at Columbus Metropolitan Library’s 23 branches, some users will inevitably end up viewing inappropriate material online.
Content filtering software helps prevent intentional or accidental user access to content that is obscene, pornographic, a security risk or is otherwise harmful to minors. But that doesn’t block everything. And it also may unintentionally block permissible and suitable websites.
A new policy voted 7-0 by the library system’s board on Aug. 28 gives librarians more direct control over unsavory content. The changes are effective Oct. 1.
“It’s about empowering our staff to tell customers that what they’re doing may not be appropriate,” library spokesperson Ben Zenitsky said.
A federal law already permits those 17 or older to bypass the library’s filters upon request, without providing a reason, but they’re prohibited from “explicit content that is inappropriate in a public setting and may be offensive, harmful to minors or create a hostile or intimidating environment,” according to the new policy. Now, there will be enforcement.
Customers may be asked to move locations, leave a particular website or end their PC or internet use if the content they are accessing is disturbing others or violates this policy and/or the customer code of conduct, according to the new policy.
Unlike books that might be offensive or violent, computer screens are viewed by anyone walking by. Many of Columbus Metropolitan Library system’s smaller branches don’t have space for separate computer areas. Even the Main Library’s second-floor youth area is located on the same floor close to the public computers.
A decade ago, the library installed privacy screens on computers allowing only direct viewing by the computer user. Those are still available.
Libraries in Cleveland and Cincinnati already have similar policies allowing library staff intervention.
“We’re not here to censor anyone,” Zenitsky said. “These cases allow us to intervene when certain pages might be considered violent or disruptive.”
Delaware County and northern suburbs reporter Dean Narciso can be reached at dnarciso@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Using a Columbus Metro Library computer? Careful what you look at, or you could be booted
Reporting by Dean Narciso, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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