Libraries are required to use a filtering system on one or more of their computers so that at least one computer will be appropriate for minors' use. In its statement, ALA also argued that there should be no federal requirements mandating filters nor should such filtering be tied in any way into the telecommunications discount program. The key sponsors of the discount program appeared cautionary in their approach to S. 1610. Several other senators from the committee were not present because of a major scheduling conflict with another Senate committee. While blocking and filtering products can be useful tools for parents to use at home, their use in a library setting is questionable at best.
Libraries serve all the families and all library users in a given community.
As public institutions supported primarily by local public tax monies, libraries are obligated to meet the information needs of the entire community or school population, while upholding the basic principles of the First Amendment. Within the same community, within the same school district or library system, indeed, even within the same library or school building, users have vastly different needs. Federally mandated blocking software cannot responsibly anticipate the information and curricular needs of a community or determine the best sources of information for any particular public or school library users. ALA continues to analyze the McCain proposal and discuss preferable options. Depending upon how its crafted, that would appear preferable to S. 1619.