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The Minneapolis Public Library Embroiled in a Controversy Over Internet Access
May, 2000
The Minneapolis Public Library is embroiled in a controversy over Internet access, and will hold a Community Forum at the Central Library on Tuesday, May 23 at noon to address the issues. Community members who canít attend are invited to submit suggestions in writing.
An on-going controversy over access to pornographic images prompted seven librarians to file a sexual harassment complaint against the library. The library has announced that it will now require sign-up and identification for Internet use and will not tolerate the display of obscene materials on Internet computers. As part of its consideration of additional new policies, the Board is asking community members to consider and comment on the following questions:
How can libraries balance individual rights with social needs?Other communities that have been pressured to restrict library Internet use have been successful in maintaining open access: in Holland, Michigan voters rejected a restrictive ballot measure proposed by the American Family Association and in Loudoun County, Virginia, the courts declared unconstitutional mandatory filters for all computers.
Do filters censor access to constitutionally protected material?
Can libraries assure freedom of information and expression while at the same time protecting the interests of children?
What standards should guide Internet use policy development?
Should the Internet be regulated?
The Minneapolis Public Library Director is Mary L. Lawson. Library Board Members are: Laurie Savran, President; Charlotte Anderson, Marilyn Borea, Mary Doty, Diane Hofstede, Rod Krueger, Kathleen Lamb, and Elladean Webster. The local newspaper is The Minneapolis Star Tribune, 425 Portland Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55488 (www.startribune.com).
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