By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-965282.mp3
Albany, NY –
New reports that New York City Public library patrons can watch internet porn on the computers at more than 200 branches, raised eyebrows across the nation. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas checked with some local libraries about their internet policies.
Public libraries commonly provide free access to computers and the Internet - in New York City, media reports say libraries have decided that watching pornography on their computers is protected by the First Amendment right of free speech. In upstate New York. Richard Naylor is Director at the William K. Sanford Town Library in Colonie.
WAMC news has learned that the Colonie Library and most local public libraries have no filters in place and do not monitor content, or for that matter, what internet addresses patrons may be punching into computers.
Kathleen Naftaly, assistant director at the Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls, says childrens and young adult room computers carry restrictions, but adult users just have to acknowledge they've read library internet policies.
Naftaly says if staff "see something by accident" the patron is warned and asked to leave for the day. Second-time offenders may be banned from accessing any library materials.
Chris Sagaas is head of Reference Services at Albany Public Library. He says the goals shared by libraries in general entail creating a safe and welcoming, non-offensive atmosphere for everyone residing in local or neighborhood communities. Librarians advise if you are in a branch and see something offensive, immediately bring it to the attention of a staff member.