It is the clause "within the limits of the law" which influence
decisions to install filters. A college may choose to conform and be
seen to conform to the legislation on "secondary liaibility",
harassment, discrimination and other aspects of equal
opportunities by introducing a filter. The filters which block sites,
rather than words, also allow individual institutions to alter the initial
blocking lists; individual sites can be blocked or unblocked.
As Nickie Roome rightly states the filters aren't comprehensive,
(we certainly found Weblocker stopped 66% of unacceptable sites
although Cyberpatrol was much higher) but used in conjunction
with supervision they help students to stay focussed on their
studies for which the resources are provided. Computer Users
Agreements make people aware of their rights and responsibilites
in using the resources (e.g the recent Investigative Powers Act).
"To facilitate the flow of information and ideas and protect and
promote the rights of every individual to free and equal access to
sources of information without discrimination" we concentrate on:
* developing staff and student IT skills, including effective searching
of the Web
*ensuring as many students as possible have access to computers
and addressing differences in competence in and attitudes to the
technology.
Hilary Rees
Head of Library and Learning Resources
Tel. (01752) 305076/ E-mail [log in to unmask]
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