My name is Jim Heckel. I have been director there for 13 years. I am here today to provide you with my reasons for opposing SB 139.
Examples are numerous and easily obtained.
If a filter is installed locally on a computer, it blocks by developing an algorithm of criteria, most often using keys words or phrases. If a site contains these key words or phrases, even if the intent is not pornographic, the site may be blocked. If the filter operates by linking to a web site administered by a group of technicians who scan the web, there is no way of understanding or knowing the criteria used to block sites. In addition, such sites must be constantly updated and are therefore expensive. If the intent is to insure that no patron of a public library is ever offended by materials found in the library through the Internet, then the bill is wrong.