By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Nephi City Library Board is interested in seeing a filter
installed on the Internet line servicing computers used by
the public at the library.
Kent Park, council member who meets with the Library
Board, said he had been asked to bring up the subject with
the council. "They think a filter is becoming increasingly
important."
A bill, passed in the last legislature, will require
libraries to have more direct control on Internet use in
libraries, said Randy McKnight, city administrator.
"Young people who want to use the Internet at the
library have been required to have permission from their
parents," said McKnight. "The parents have been required to
sign for their children prior to use."
Librarians have also arranged the library so that
computers are close to the desk so they can easily monitor
what is being viewed by young patrons.
In addition, local librarians have access to the
viewing history of the machines and can determine who
watched what at what time of the day.
Those who have been found attempting to misuse the
Internet to get into sites not age-appropriate have been
denied the right to use the machines.
The city library is on the state's fiber optic system,
said McKnight. "The computer at the district schools do have
filters."
It may become more and more important to filter the
Internet site at the library as more and more computer use
is added, he said. "The more computers and patrons there are
the more difficult it will be to physically monitor all
computers."
"I want to know what we can do, legally," said Chad
Brough, mayor. "Will courts consider filtering a public
library computer Internet system a violation of the First
Amendment? Will it be considered on the same level as
banning books or certain objects of art?"
He said he was in favor of filtering the computers if
it would be legally allowed.
The city attorney will research the question and
determine what the rights of residents vs the
responsibilities of the city council are as far as filtering
is concerned.
Some adults have challenged the right of others to
censor adults. However, the right to censor material viewed
by children may be considered in a separate light. Schools
do have some rights of censorship.
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