On the one hand, I am uneasy about the public library service using
public money to compete with a viable and useful commercial sector
operation, namely the Internet cafes which have been bold and innovative
pioneers of wider public access to the internet. Access to hotmail
accounts is one of the major attractions of the cafes.
On the other hand, I object very strongly to the argument that the
Internet in public libraries should be used only for access to
information. This misunderstands the fundamental nature of the Net as a
two-way, read-write medium, plays into the hands of the media magnates,
and is ultimately demeaning of the end-user by implying that he/she is a
mere consumer of information. The ability of the user to write to the Net
is what makes it so empowering; take away that and it becomes merely
another form of mass medium - which is what Rupert Murdoch and his ilk
would like it to be.
Not sure that it leads to a conclusion, merely highlights two sides of an
important debate.
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [SMTP:MIME @SMTP
[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 08 October 1998 10:39
To: [log in to unmask]; Edward Barrow
Subject: Use of free email in public libraries - the summary
<< File: ENVELOPE.TXT >>
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--
Hello all
As promised, a summary:
1. Those in the Community Development arena see it as valid, as their
emphasis, if I read it correctly Kevin & Martin (I can quote you, as you
responded to the list publically!) is on community communication.
They want a debate, and want this list used for that debate, so speak up
if you're interested!
2. Those in education see it as a learning tool which is valid if part
of learning experience, and akin to Internet Chat.
3. Those in the public sector see it largely as a resource management
issue, perhaps linked to the quantity of access points provided, and the
money available (and this seems true of both UK & US responses).
Options seem to be booking systems (which we already do), staff policing
(not policy at the moment) or filtering of free email sites (which we
don't do).
I seem to recall an article last year by Michael Schuyler in Computers
in Libraries (Meckler), which said "filtering is not just about Porn,
stupid", so this seems to reflect this issue.
I'm also reminded of an issue here some years ago (long since quickly
addressed, I hasten to add!), where an open door policy on a TypeTalk
Service for the visually impaired was abused and clocked up a surprising
bill!
OK, with Internet, we're paying for the ISP, and either a leased line or
a dial-up line, not international charges, but this needs at least to be
faced, if not fully addressed.
Hope this helps.
Regards
John
======================================================================
John Usher "I'd rather be Flying..."
Principal Information Librarian
Islington Library & Information Service
Central Library
2 Fieldway Crescent
LONDON N5 1PF
ENGLAND
Tel: +44 (0)171-619 6920 (Direct Dial) - Fax: +44 (0)171-619 6926
URL http://www.islington.gov.uk/library/index.htm
OR http://www.earl.org.uk/earl/partners.html#I
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