Internet Censorship: Access Issues for School Librarians in a Cyberspace World

Abstract

Converging communication technologies offer merizing potentialities for global access to local culture. However, concerns about controversial images and ideas on the Internet have inspired both political and technological challenges to open access. Over the past two or three years, a bewildering array of software products has appeared on the U.S. and Canadian markets that claim to be able to either "filter or 'rate' Intemet-based contenL Typical product claims are couched in the rhetoric of child protection and parental guidance.

In the cyberspace universe of instant access to information and in ages of all kinds, how should school librarians around the world respond to these commercial products? How can they find a reasonable balance between the sometimes conflicting goals of parental responsibilities, children's educational and developmental interests, media literacy, and community standards?

In view of what appears to be a growing political resolve in many countries to impose technological controls on Internet content, and a trend towards more and more labeling of creative expression in just about every other medium of communication, it is timely for librarians in all sectors to examine these issues and address the implications for information access. The topic of Internet filters is an exciting one for librarians because it represents the intersection of our roles as advocates for intellectual freedom, as organizers of infomation, and as promoters of media literacy. It gives us the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise, and to increase our contribution to society at large and around the world.