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Re: Website Reliability



On 24 Apr 2000, at 15:05, Kurilecz, Peter wrote:

> Students are not being taught reference/research skills nor how
> they being taught to think critically about what they are using.

I agree, and my understanding of the article was that she was
stressing that the teaching of those skills is more important than
ever.

> But my point is that librarians (individuals) have been imposing their own
> values upon what materials are selected for a library, and who could check
> out what. I can remember growing up that I had to have permission from my
> parents to check certain titles out from the library because I was not an
> "Adult". The librarians decided that the title was only for adults.

The values being imposed are not always those of the librarians as
individuals, but frequently the values of the library board or those
patrons who are the most vocal in their complaints.  Someone
recently shared a story on another listserv of her inability to order
African-American romance novels for her public library because
"that sort of thing" was not considered appropriate by her higher
ups, despite there being a specific demand for those kinds of
books. Librarians, like everyone, sometimes end up appearing to
support policies they don't agree with personally. I agree with you
that personal values ARE being imposed, but please don't assume
that the person who is refusing you the particular item is the one
behind the refusal. (Then find out who it is and vote them out of
office in the next board election!)



I think the issue of research and assessment skills and net
monitoring are interrelated. Most of the sites that are non-porn
which are are blocked by filters seem to be blocked because the
software designers feel that children could stumble onto them and,
lacking critical thinking skills, be "seduced" into "aberrant"
lifestyles or philosophies such as homosexuality or non Judeo-
Christian religions. (Talk about pushing your own values in what
you allow access to! At least librarians tell you what you are being
denied access to; try to get a list of banned sites from a
commercial filter provider. Or better yet, post such a list and
expect to be sued.)

As a parent, I personally prefer to take responsbility for what my
child views in the library or over the net rather than turn it over to a
capricious "net nanny" whose values may not coincide with mine.
Until software is customizable enough to support the values I want
my child to share (tolerance towards other sexual preferences and
religious beliefs in this case), I'd just as soon take the time to
monitor what he's browsing on the net and toss out the software
monitoring.

Just my .02 and getting off topic, I know, so I'll hush up.

Jacqueline Haun

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