Dear Editor:
”
In truth the library does an excellent job of preventing porn
surfing. … The library staff understands that the most effective
deterrent is to place terminals in open view, where usage can be
monitored and people’s sense of decency and shame will prevent them
from abusing the privilege.
Dear Editor:
“In truth the library does an excellent job of preventing porn surfing. … The library staff understands that the most effective deterrent is to place terminals in open view, where usage can be monitored and people’s sense of decency and shame will prevent them from abusing the privilege. Take a stroll through our library and look over the shoulders of the people using the computer terminals.” – Dispatch columnist Doug Meier, Feb. 27
Would that it were so, Mr. Meier. In 1998, when KIDS picketed eight out of nine libraries in Santa Clara County, we found the situation you describe in Los Altos. In Gilroy, Lani Yoshimura takes a different approach.
She installed privacy screens on all terminals. She backed half of the terminals on the adult side up to the shelves. In order to get a coffee table sized book (or to, as you suggest, “look over the shoulders of people using the internet terminals,”) you would have to sidle along like a crab.
Try it. You will have a librarian asking if she can help you, and asking that you respect the privacy of patrons using the Internet.
I don’t wish to suggest that the library staff is paranoid or hysterical about the possibility that some porn posse member might see a child porn surfing, but they installed a sheet of cardboard between the children’s reference books and the terminal that opens in that direction.
No, it does seem like a reasonable deterrent. KIDS suggested placing terminals in open view. Have fun trying to get our library staff to be reasonable.
Cynthia Walker, Gilroy
Submitted Monday, March 1 to ed****@****ic.com
