The library and information service will need to ensure that this monitoring is not inconsistent with its legal obligation under data protection legislation and other safeguards of user confidentiality and privacy. User education User education is a pre-requisite for provision of Internet access in libraries. The programme should be broadly based to encompass all users, adults and children, and library and information staff, as well as teachers, elected representatives, governing bodies, law-enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies. The library and information service has a key role in advising and assisting users to identify and select information resources. This can be achieved by facilitating access to Web sites that are reviewed by library staff.
Libraries can also design and promote Web pages that meet users' needs and interests.
The Library Association recognises that libraries need to address the concerns of staff, parents, teachers and those who work with children and perceive libraries as 'safe places' for children. This role has to be balanced against the professional duty of library services to meet the diverse needs and interests of all their users. Library and information services have a duty of care to their users. In schools, library staff will be expected to share the in loco parentis responsibilities of the teachers and other staff. Public libraries do not share this type of responsibility, but this does not diminish their duty of care.