We have taken numerous steps to help communities develop policies and programs that ensure that their library users have a positive online experience. Based on our extensive experience working with children and their parents everyday throughout the country, we know what works. More than 95 percent of public libraries have Internet-access policies that were created with community input. These policies set forth the community's rights and responsibilities for conducting productive, safe Internet use. The vast majority of library patrons use the Internet responsibly, as outlined by their communities' policies.
Public libraries are very local institutions.
The bulk of their funding comes from city and state budgets. Just as every parent is a little different, every local community has its own set of priorities based on its geography, demographics and size - to name just a few of the factors. This presents a major problem with the Children's Internet Protection Act. Blocking technologies come between librarians and their mission - to connect people with a broad range of information to meet their needs. And the Internet is key to today's information society.