My Library Has Banned the DIS

[teacherforhi]

I work in the computer lab of our public library. We don't ban any bulletin board type sites that I know of because we don't ban words, only pictures. I've had people complain about that before, but honestly, unless you were learning WAY over and reading over someone's shoulder, there's no way the language someone else used could be offensive to you.

As far as filtering, it's true that we're required to do it. Several years ago when the new law was passed, public libraries were given a choice. Either put filters on the computers (all computers, even the ones that the staff uses) or lose federal funding. However, I have the ability to turn the filter off on a particular computer for the duration of a person's session if they request it. I do tell the person though that I'm going to stand there and watch what site they're trying to get into.

 

[jgmklmhem]

Could it be due to threads such as this one: Thread

Which could be deemed as Sex ed. This one is obviously recent but I am sure there are others very similar out there that have been going around for ages.

 

[simba928]

Our school has a filter. It is very dumb usually. We are not allowed to check our e-mail or go on message boards like the DIS according to our school rules. I have gone on the DIS a couple times, though. The filter will block out certain threads, but not the entire website. And usually the threads are completely inocent. I mean I think one was like post pictures of your pets and I went to look at it, but it was blocked. There are ways to outsmart the system, though. Usually if I just hit refresh or go back and try to reenter the thread, it will work. If not, you put another dot after the .com. So its www.disboards.com. to get here.

 

[Pigeon]

I am a librarian, albeit not in a public library. I hate, hate, hate the filtering software requirement.

If you have problems with not being able to access sites, please complain loudly and frequently. The librarians need to hear this.

 

[LadyyRedd]

Funny story on internet filtering....

I company I worked at about 5 years ago had filtering on it's internet use. Wouldn't allow sites that contained certain words.

I did a search on a particular actor - Dick Van **** (the one who played Rob Petry on the Mary Tyler Moore show, just in case the DIS filters the actor's name). I got a message saying that my search could not be performed due to my search words being blocked!

Kimya

 

[MouseWorshipin]

You can't post Dick Van **** on the DIS. I learned that the hard way, too!

Dick Van **** played Rob Petrie on the Dick Van **** show, which also starred Mary Tyler Moore.

 

[beckmrk04]

Ugh- considering my senior project (shhh- the one I'm supposed to be reading for right now instead of DISing) is on sexuality education (or lack thereof) in public schools, this really infuriates me.

Where CAN kids go for information. They go to school and are told "just don't do it." Ok- the US has the highest rates in the industrialized world of abortion, teen pregnancy, STD's: so that message isn't working. Kids want info and now they can't even get it at the public library that I support with my tax dollars.

Ok- I know that doesn't actually have anything to do with the DIS being banned, since we aren't teaching sex ed here, but GEEZ.

COMPLAIN. LOUDLY. If the DIS is banned- what else is banned? How far is this going to go? If kids can't get info at school or at the library (and unfortunately, not all kids can talk to their parents) GUESS where they are going to get the info from! The media- yeah- that's a good educator.

Sorry- I have been doing lots of research today on sex ed in the US and I'm already all riled up.

 

[momof2inPA]

Apparently there are some of the library computers that are controlled on the local level. These have less stringent filtering, so I can access the DIS. I'm using one now.

The computers on the other side, the opposite set of desks, use the state of Pennsylvania filtering settings, which will not allow you to access the DIS.

I found the computer literate librarian, who filled me in on this info. I still don't think there is sufficient reason for the state to filter out the DIS, though. Maybe I'll go on the other side and see if they allow access to myspace or ezboards.

 

[cteddiesgirl]

I can see librairies having to filter out sexually explicit pictures.
But having to filter out sex ed is completely dumb, imo. A library is a place for searching and learning. Nothing that filters out education should be allowed in librairies.

Kids are going to get information one way or another. If not from websites and/or parents, then from the media or friends. They will always find something if they want it badly enough.

Filters like this and deprivation of education is a product of the far right wing (and no, I don't consider myself a democrat). They are attempting to force their beliefs of "family values" (ie: celibacy until marriage, no form of birth control, etc.) on everyone.

 

[beckmrk04]

Filters like this and deprivation of education is a product of the far right wing (and no, I don't consider myself a democrat). They are attempting to force their beliefs of "family values" (ie: celibacy until marriage, no form of birth control, etc.) on everyone.

I totally agree. And I do consider myself a democrat! But- I know that many people, dem or rep, agree that this is going too far.

 

[LiteBrite]

Hmmm, sounds like I missed a good thread!

Here you go, T&B -
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1085108&highlight=embarrassing
It was the story that kicked off the "embarrassing stories" thread, and it's a doozy!