O ne of the most challenging if not the most challenging issues facing our profession is safeguarding children on the Internet without sacrificing our First Amendment right to receive information. I believe that the most important principle, one that forms the very foundation for library service, is intellectual freedom. The theme has proved to be a timely one as access to the Internet, particularly children s access in the library, has opened a national discussion and galvanized the library community as few issues have.
Many parents are frightened and they are looking for solutions.
Often they feel insecure because they may not be as technologically proficient as their children. The use of filtering software in libraries is the solution most frequently advocated by those who claim they seek to protect children from what is commonly referred to as the dark side of the Internet. But deeper issues are involved. In the United States, local library boards have always made their own policies regarding library use and collections. Not surprisingly, ALA does not endorse the use of software filters in libraries.