ACLU (Rhode Island) "Reader's Block" Report Helps Un-Censorware Libraries

As is being reasonably reported:

http://www.aclu.org/FreeSpeech/FreeSpeech.cfm?ID=19232&c=83

Following ACLU Action, Rhode Island Public Libraries Agree to Give Patrons Increased Access to Internet

October 7, 2005

PROVIDENCE, RI -- Responding to a report released earlier this year by the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, the state's library network has revised its Internet blocking procedure to increase access to information for public library patrons, addressing ACLU fears that libraries were "inappropriately discouraging or barring patrons' access to constitutionally protected material."

"We are pleased that the state's public libraries have taken a positive step toward ensuring that library patrons have the freest possible access to the Internet," said Steven Brown, Executive Director of the ACLU.

Now, not-an-echo - none of the articles seem to be linking to the actual report, which is at:
http://www.riaclu.org/friendly/documents/2005libraryinternetreport.pdf

This report was written by Amy Myrick, Program and Development Coordinator at the RI ACLU. And on general principle, I believe that deserves a mention for credit.

The gist of the report (mentioned earlier) - and the press release now - is that far more had been (and to some extent, still is) blacklisted than legally problematic material, and contrary to the blithe assurances, libraries had "failed to facilitate "unblocking," or temporary disarming, of the software during Internet use by adult library patrons, despite the fact that this option is required by both the law and a U.S. Supreme Court decision interpreting the law."

Sigh. I'm preaching to the choir - or to the other side's deacons.

Seth Finkelstein's Infothought blog (Wikipedia, Google, censorware, and an inside view of net-politics) - Syndicate site (subscribe, RSS)