Library Commission Votes To Filter Adult Internet Access

OKLAHOMA CITY - Adult residents using Metropolitan Library System computers for World Wide Web access will now have that access filtered, under a new proposal adopted by the MLS Commission.

Previously, MLS adult customers could choose between filtered and unfiltered access. Access for children, however, has always been filtered.

MLS Executive Director, Norman Maas, said the new policy-which passed by a 7-3 vote at the commission's June meeting-states, "Adults and Internet certified minors (persons under age 18) will have filtered Internet access at the library's public Internet terminals."

Maas said the MLS Automation staff has started to install the filters on the 400-plus library system computers. "Some computers have already been upgraded," he said. "And over the next month we will be moving quickly to complete the process and to train our staff."

Maas said he expects the filters to be in place throughout the entire system by mid to late August.

"This has been an on-going struggle for the library commission. Each member spent a great deal of time studying the issue. They are trying to be sensitive to community concerns and to ensure that patrons seeking information have access to it."

Although the policy requires the use of web filtering software throughout the entire system, Maas said the rule also includes a provision for disabling filters for customers who find themselves blocked from information that, while legitimate, is not accessible due to the filter.

The rules says, "Adult Internet users doing bonafide research or for other lawful purposes who are unable to access an Internet site because of the technology protection measure (filter) will be instructed to ask a library staff member for assistance.

"Library staff members will access the site at a reference computer and provide the requested material to the customer."

Maas said the policy attempts to protect the integrity of information available for library customers and also addresses community concerns about web-based obscenity.

"Sometimes a legitimate site, such as one dealing with breast cancer, can also be inadvertently blocked," he said. "We wanted a provision to solve that problem in case it happened."

Within the Metropolitan Library System, Internet usage continues to grow. Statistics show that 202,112 Internet sessions totaling 84,160 hours were logged at MLS libraries. Currently, about 50,000 MLS patrons are certified for Internet use.