Friday Notes 2.
An on-line resource for NEILSA Librarians
Monday is Labor Day Holiday, September 1st.
NEILSA will be closed.
Ken is on vacation all week.
EDITORS NOTES:
Material in fine print has been published at least once before.
With a few exceptions new material will be in this size print. Color
is something I really think you should have a look at, except URL blue for
links.
EYE-OPENER: I strongly suggest that you read the EYE OPENER Bonnie &
Chris have a differing philosophy, and are much more disciplined than I am
as to what they include, by the time I edit out their local material the
EYE OPENER has really good material you should know about.
YES, we know it is way to wide we are working
on it, any of you html guru's want to make suggestions we would be happy
to hear them. It has to be some kind of coding error but I can't find it.
OK, we "think" Eunice found it, seems those ALA
links push the right margin all the way to the end of the link, which in
ALA's case is a long way out.
Thanks to those of you who told us about it, the width was not a problem
on all browsers so we didn't see it.
Other LSA blogs:
SWILSA House blog at: http://www.swilsa.blogspot.com
Blogs for Libraries [WebJunction] http://www.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=1432
DEADLINES & DATES:
I'll try to list all the upcoming dates of importance here, you will have
to mine for the details.
ANNUAL SURVEY The survey is due 10/31/03. To access
the online survey go to http://www.silo.lib.ia.us, click on For and About
Iowa Libraries, click on Annual Survey. The survey is due October 31, 2003.
Public Libraries with Internet are required to submit the survey online.
The link to Web Collect is also on the Annual Survey web page.
Note from Gerry: Some libraries are asked to respond to edit checks during
the submit process. The edit checks are designed to flag data entry errors
and data that is out of range according to the national statistics project.
For information on responding to and clearing edit checks, see http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for-ia-libraries/index.html,
Annual Survey, Web Collect. Click on the Responding to and Clearing edit
checks link for more information. (and pictures)
Gerry Rowland
State Library
Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines
1. The State Historical Society of Iowa has had the HRDP funding restored
and is inviting applications for preservation projects in documentary collections,
museums, and historic preservation. Deadline is January 15, 2004. For details
see (categories of acceptable projects are under the eligibility bullet):
http://www.iowahistory.org/grants/shsi_grants/hrdp/hrdp.html
2. Upcoming IMLS Deadlines
Conservation Project Support grant applications for FY 2004
funding must be postmarked no later than October 15, 2003. For more information
about this grant program, including applications and guidelines, please see:
http://www.imls.gov/grants/museum/mus_cps.asp
All deadlines for FY 2004 IMLS grant and award program applications can be
viewed at:
http://www.imls.gov/grants/dedln/index.htm
Categories include: National Leadership Grants for Museums, Museums in the
Community category; National Leadership Grants for Libraries, Continuing
Education, Curriculum Development, and Training category; and Native American
Library Services, Basic and Professional Assistance categories.
3. a couple sites with information on funding opportunities are:
http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for-ia-libraries/funding-info/
http://www.collectioncare.org/funding/funding.html
All IMLS grant and award program deadlines can be viewed at:
http://www.imls.gov/grants/dedln/index.htm
County Meetings Scheduled:
If your county meeting is not on the schedule please contact NEILSA
Allamakee County Meeting
Black Hawk County Meeting - When called - seldom
Bremer County Meeting - October 21 at 7:30 Sumner
Buchanan County Meeting - Oct. 28 at 7 PM in Independence
Butler County Meeting - October 7, 2003, in
Allison. CE
Chickasaw County Meeting
Clayton County Meeting -Oct. 14, 2003 7:30
in Strawberry Point
Delaware County Meeting - Hopkinton Library on Nov.
l8 at 7:00
Dubuque County - DALINC -
Fayette County Meeting - Oct. 23, 2003 @ 1:00 Haweye
PL
Grundy County Meeting - 9:00 am 10/27 @ Reinbeck
Howard County Meeting - Lime Springs
on Tuesday, October 7, at 7:00 p.m. CIPA WS
Winneshiek County Meeting - November 6, 2003 @ 7:00 Decorah
CE:
SPECIAL WORKSHOPS:
One & two hour workshops at Fall county meetings, CIPA Classes.
County Meeting Format: CIPA/NCIPA Requirements - 1 Hr.
CE
and
Review of required policies - 1 Hr. CE
For the 2nd session you will have to have your Internet policy & AU or
other computer policy(s) with you. Bring note taking materials
there will be no handouts since there are no fees for the county association
CIPA workshops.
Form 479 - CIPA Compliance certification. This form must be signed
in order for you to be in the Consortia. With it you will be required
to attach copies of your policies that meet the NCIPA Internet safety rules
and you will need to attach a copy of your appeal process procedure as well
as complete a form on your TPM (technology protection measure).
You may attend one of the free county meeting CE [1 or 2 ce's] sessions or
a class in West Union on December 15, 2003 [4 ce's] 1:00 to 5:00 in the new
computer lab and conference room. There will be a fee of $25.00 for
this session. Any library not represented at either the free county
meeting session or the West Union class will not be eligible for participation
in a Consortia filing for services covered by CIPA/NCIPA.
IPTV is offering classes - see below.
CLASSES in NEILSA:
Library 101 for September and December. We have dates now that we hope will
work for everyone, since we received no requests we have tentatively reserved
Fayette.
WARNING if no one signs up we will cancel the site the week before the session.
September 30th 9:00--12:00 Cancel date 22nd
December 18th 9:00--12:00
IF you wish to attend contact NEILSA to register. WARNING if
no one signs up we will cancel the sites the week before the session.
Summer Library Project workshop dates and locations for
2004! Feb 6 - Fayette Public Library, Feb 13 - Fisher Community
Center - Marshalltown, Feb 19 - Music Man Square - Mason City,
OTHER CE: You must register with the listed provider.
"Learning Activity Written Summery" may be found at:
http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for-ia-libraries/continuing-ed/online-learningactivitywrittensummary.htm
e-rate for non-consortia libraries;
IPTV will again offer E-rate training sessions and public library staff are
welcome to attend. If interested in attending please contact Debbie Fiscus,
IPTV. The State Library encourages those interested to attend the sessions
as they offer great information, especially to new directors and staff just
beginning the process. Many of you have CIPA questions related to E-rate
applications. These sessions would probably not be the best place to ask
those questions as presenters are not
completely versed in the library CIPA issues. The State Library will address
those issues as information becomes available and possible ICN sessions later
this fall. Watch the State Library web site
http://www.silo.lib.ia.us and
also the ALA CIPA web site
http://www.ala.org/cipa
for the latest information.
************************************************************************
Included in this message is information about E-rate training sessions for
Year 2004 being offered via ICN video.
1. E-rate New User Training. Provides an overview of the E-rate program and
how to apply for funding. Sessions are scheduled from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
October 8; Wednesday, October 15, and Thursday, October 16.
2. E-rate Tool Training. Training on how to use the new data management tool
for E-rate. Sessions are scheduled from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October
22; Wednesday,
November 5; and Wednesday, November 12, 2003.
3. E-rate Form 470 Training. Training on how to complete the E-rate 470 application.
Sessions are scheduled from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13; Tuesday,
November 18; and Wednesday, November 19, 2003.
4. We have not yet scheduled Form 471 training sessions. Once we know the
"window," we'll schedule those sessions. If you are interested in any of
the above sessions, contact Debbie Fiscus (debbie@iptv.org) to get your ICN
video site scheduled.
There is no charge to participate in these sessions and no limit to the number
of sites we will utilize.
Debbie Fiscus
Administrative Assistant
Educational Telecommunications
Iowa Public Television
6450 Corporate Drive
Johnston, IA 50131
PH: 515/242-4155
FX: 515/242-3155
EM: debbie@iptv.org
We have a go on all of the Summer Library Project
workshop dates and locations for 2004! They will be as follows: Feb
4 - Methodist Church - Mount Pleasant, Feb 5 - Coralville Public Library,
Feb 6 - Fayette Public Library, Feb 9 - Everly Community Center, Feb
10 - Arthur Public Librarym Feb 11 - Elliott Public Library, Feb 12 - Urbandale
Public Library, Feb 13 - Fisher Community Center - Marshalltown, Feb 19 -
Music Man Square - Mason City, Feb 20 - Fort Dodge Public Library
Preservation 101: Keeping collections safe ICN sessions will be October 21
(Storage) , 2-5 pm, the hands-on session will be November 14. ICN sites
will be Bettendorf, Boone, Cedar Rapids, Charles City, Clinton, Decorah,
Dubuque, Ft. Dodge, Grinnell, Hudson, Iowa City, LeMars, Marshalltown, Mt.
Pleasant, Pella, Spencer, Vinton, Urbandale. The hands-on session will be
at the Murray Conference Center, Living History Farms.
Disaster Recover Workshop to be held at the University of Iowa on Sept. 15-16,
2003.
Upper Midwest Conservation Association and the University of Iowa Collections
Coalition are cosponsoring "Disaster Response: Salvaging Museum, Library
and Archival Collections," a two-day workshop, Sept. 15-16, 2003, that will
stress hands-on participation in salvaging collections after a disaster (primarily
water and fire damage).
Iowa Arts Grant writing Workshop held September 23, 2003. The workshop is
designed for artists, educators, communities and organizations who are seeking
funding support for arts-related activities at benefit Iowans. This particular
session will be directed at public libraries. Hear directly from grant program
managers for the Iowa Arts Council and the Department of Cultural Affairs
on what review panels expect to see in grant proposals. Learn about developing
powerful grant proposals, the new E-Grant application system, new granting
programs and changes to program guidelines. Tuesday, September 23, 2003 9:00
a.m. to 12:00 noon Contact Hours: 3 Iowa Communication Network sites.
Instructor(s): Iowa Arts Council staff, No charge
Sponsor: Iowa Arts Council and State Library of Iowa Online registration
form: http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for-ia-libraries/continuing-ed/cecat.htm#September
If you have questions about the content, contact: Judy Jones, judy.jones@lib.state.ia.us
Complete details about re-certification are available at
http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for-ia-libraries/continuing-ed/recertification.html
Self-Directed Learning Opportunities: http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/Certification/alternate.htm
At ILA in Cedar Rapids this year - the pre-conference is the one to go to
if you want to learn how.
Pre-Conference - Steven M. Cohen, Assistant Librarian, Rivkin Radler, LLP,
Steves blog is LibraryStuff at http://www.librarystuff.net/
A grand discussion of Keeping Current using Blogs/RSS/Web Site Monitoring
Software/etc - reviews of each, setting up a blog, etc
Learn how to use these Web tools, Web logs, RSS feeds, and many other cutting-edge
methods that make communication between information professionals and keeping
current with what is happening in our field as simple and as time-effective
as possible.
- The one to go to to learn about
Concurrent session - Steven M. Cohen, Assistant Librarian, Rivkin Radler,
LLP blog LibraryStuff Information professionals attempting to keep current
by attending conferences, reading trade journals, and subscribing to e-mail
lists seem to fall steadily behind. In this session Steve suggests strategies
for getting the most out of your online time and getting as much content
as needed, or at least as you can stand, using as few contact points as possible.
You will be introduced to Web tools, Web logs, RSS feeds, and many
other cutting-edge methods that make keeping current as simple and as time-effective
as possible.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The University of Northern Iowa is offering an online children's
literature class beginning September 29, 2003. The course is 3 semester hours
college credit, the equivalent of 45 contact hours. For more information,
contact Joan Vandervelde, Email: vanderveldej@uni.edu
Thanks to extra funding provided by the Greater Midwest Region of the National
Network of Libraries of Medicine, 4 locations in Iowa will host the Medical
Library Association teleconference "Reading Between the Lines: Focusing on
Health Information Literacy." Details about these sites are listed below.
The teleconference will be held on Wednesday, September 10 from 1:00-3:00
p.m. For futher information about this program, visit the MLA website at
http://mlanet.org/education/telecon/healthlit/index.html
Hope Barton
Hardin Library for the Health Sciences
University of Iowa.
THIS WEEK IN EYE-OPENER:
Hello: This time in EYE-OPENER
1) Beginning Another Year of E-rate
2) CIPA Bulletins
3) Children's Services Workshop in October
4) NWILS Board Meeting Tomorrow Aug 26th
1) Beginning Another Year of E-rate: NWILS office will soon begin managing
E-rate Year 7. Chris Rutherford manages the E-rate program and is the
person in our office to best able to answer your questions--or get you
started if your library has never participated before. The acronym stands
for Education Rate and is a federal program that discounts libraries'
telecommunications costs (phone, fax, and Internet service) Discounts for
Northwest libraries land in the 50%--70% range, which can net substantial
savings for libraries large and small. If your library has long been
participating in E-rate, you'll soon be hearing from Chris reminding you
that it's time to ramp up. If your library has never participated
before--but would like to now--please contact Chris ASAP
(cruther@nwils.lib.ia.us) She'll be happy to explain the program in more
detail and get you started.
2) CIPA Bulletins: Speaking of E-rate and possible Internet discounts,
NWILS encourages Northwest library boards to monitor and discuss the impact
of the CIPA legislation (Children's Internet Protection Act) Libraries
opting to receive E-rate discounts off their Internet service will be
required to have "technology protection measures" in place. Technology
Protection Measures could take the form of filtering software or other
approaches. To help libraries sort through the rather complicated CIPA
landscape, Chris has been writing a series of CIPA Bulletins; she's now up
to 9 bulletins, with a 10th in progress. Some of the topics include
background of the legislation passed in June, the philosophical debate about
filtering, Internet safety policies, and more. You can find all of our CIPA
bulletins archived on NWILS website at http://www.nwils.lib.ia.us/CIPA.html
3) Children's Services Workshop in October: The State Library is sponsoring
a workshop of special interest to children's services staff in October.
Entitled "Language-to-Literacy Link," this workshop will be offered 4 times
around the state;**clip local** . Here's a description: "...Make plans to
join Jane
Kitson, a.k.a. Mother Goose, as she returns to Iowa to share an exciting
4-hour presentation that is filled with dozens of activities designed to
strengthen the language-to-literacy link in young children. Jane Kitson is
a national early childhood education consultant and published author from
Atlanta, Georgia. She has trained over 60,000 Librarians, teachers, and
speech and language pathologists in 33 states and Canada. Her interactive
hands-on sessions are filled with ready to implement activities that work
right now! Each year, she works with over 3,000 children, ages 2-7, sharing
nine different programs that are filled with interactive learning
activities..."
The workshop runs from 10:00AM--3:00PM and is worth 4 c.e. credits. Note
there is a $10.00 registration fee. For details of other dates and
locations--and to register online--go to the State Library's website:
http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for-ia-libraries/continuing-ed/cecat.htm
4) NWILS Board Meeting Tomorrow Aug 26th: c**lip local**
A reminder that next Monday marks the Labor Day Holiday, September 1st.
NWILS office will be closed on Labor Day, so MONDAY MORNING EYE-OPENER will
be on hiatus for 2 weeks. Back again with more news on September 8th!
Enjoy the holiday weekend:-)
Bonnie McKewon
Director, N.W. Iowa Library Services
New LINKS of interest:
Write a Winning Grant Proposal
Clear goals and a careful cost/benefit evaluation will help your proposal
rise to the top of the pile. Learn more from the latest Adopting Technology
series.
http://ga0.org/ct/upapE8K1lcDe/
Beyond the Case Statement: Your Grant Proposal
Be sure to address training, support, and evaluation in your technology grant
proposal.
http://ga0.org/ct/j1apE8K1lcDd/
Executive Secretary In Every Computer
"Computers may soon monitor your work, notice when fatigue sets in, and fix
mistakes. Scary? No more than a good secretary, says researcher Chris Forsythe"
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/08/27/1317256
Close Mars Means Close-Up Pictures
COOL!!
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/08/27/1433254
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/mars_hubble_030827.html
http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/2003/22/
Professional Competencies for Reference and User Services Librarians
[American Library Association]
"The purpose of the guideline that follows is to provide librarians,
libraries, and information centers with a model statement of competencies
essential for successful reference and user services librarians. Competencies
must be relevant to the particular job requirements. Therefore, individuals
and organizations applying these guidelines may wish to select those strategies
for meeting the competency goals that are most appropriate to their situation."
"These competencies are focused on the abilities, skills, and knowledge that
make reference and user services librarians unique from other professionals.
The competencies assume a basic infrastructure of competencies required by
all professionals, such as skills related to communication, reading, writing,
and mathematics. This statement also elaborates upon the more generic statement
on Core Competencies developed by the American Library Association for all
types of librarians, including librarians specializing in reference and user
services. Finally, the Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference
and Information Services Professionals on approachability, interest, listening/inquiring,
searching, and follow-up are incorporated through specific references into
the Professional Competencies for Reference and User Services Librarians."
http://www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/RUSA/Professional_Tools4/Reference_Guidelines/
Professional_Competencies_for_Reference_and_User_Services_Librarians.htm
The Distributed Library Project – YOUR replacement??
"Unfortunately, the traditional library system doesn't do much to foster
community. Patrons come and go, but there is very little opportunity to establish
relationships with people or groups of people. In fact, if you try to talk
with someone holding a book you like - you'll probably get shushed. The Distributed
Library Project works in exactly the opposite way, where the very function
of the library depends on interaction."
"... list the books and videos that you own. You will then have access
to the multitude of books and videos available in other people's collections.
You can search for specific authors or titles, browse individual collections,
find nearby users, or find people who like books in common with yours. You
will have access to user-written reviews and have the opportunity to write
your own."
"If the owner of a book or video you're interested in has time for you to
pick it up, you can check out items for a 2, 7, 14, or 30 day period (at
the owner's discretion). Returning books late will get you negative feedback,
while returning books promptly will get you positive feedback. You are never
under any obligation to lend an item if you don't feel comfortable doing
so."
http://www.communitybooks.org/
ALA reaffirms core values, commitment to members at August 23
meeting A statement from ALA President Carla Hayden
(CHICAGO) On August 23, a group of librarians and trustees representing many
of ALA's committees, divisions and libraries of all types gathered to discuss
how best to serve libraries and the millions of people who depend on their
services in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Children's Internet
Protection Act (CIPA).
http//www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=News&;template=/ContentManagement/
ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=41995.
CONSORTIA:
Just in case you think it does not happen.
"The first guilty plea has been entered in the nationwide probe of the government's
troubled E-Rate program. Duane Maynard, a former employee of a Fresno,
Calif., electrical contracting firm, has admitted to federal bid rigging
in order to obtain multi-million contracts to install computer networking
and Internet access for the West Fresno Elementary School District. "
See http://dc.internet.com/news/article.php/3069181
for the complete story.
CIPA –
We have been notified that "selected" libraries will be audited for compliance
with the NCIPA law, if your policies do not contain the correct wording &
a childrens Internet Safety policy, as required two years ago, there may
be a problem. It is a good idea to look at your policies in light
of the NCIPA requirements, they are very mainstream and the kind of things
you should have anyway. By the way if you used the "Addendum" published
here when CIPA/NCIPA first came out you are covered, but it is time to review
that policy anyway.
Form 479 - CIPA Compliance certification. This form must be signed
in order for you to be in the Consortia. With it you will be required
to attach copies of your policies that meet the NCIPA Internet safety rules
and you will need to attach a copy of your appeal process procedure as well
as complete a form on your TPM (technology protection measure).
You may attend one of the free county meeting CE [1 or 2 ce's] sessions or
a class in West Union on December 15, 2003 [4 ce's] 1:00 to 5:00 in the new
computer lab and conference room. There will be a fee of $25.00 for
this session. Any library not represented at either the free county
meeting session or the West Union class will not be eligible for participation
in a Consortia filing for services covered by CIPA/NCIPA.
In which case you may wish to schedule the ICN classes. See under CE.
The Consortia 471 (application) has not yet been approved by PIA Sooooo you should not
yet be getting discounts, as soon as the FCDL (SLD for Funding Commitment
Decision Letter) comes in I will file the Form 486 and then it takes 1 to
2 months depending upon your telecommunications vendor (SLD for phone company).
Ken (:-{}}}
{NOTE: IF you are planning on
refusing any e-rate support PLEASE let me know ASAP or you may have to return
funds. I will apply for your discount from July 1 to August 13 anyway.}
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
In the original CIPA legislation, Congress requested a study of technology
protection measures from NTIA - National Telecommunications and Information
Administration, US Department of Commerce. That study, which was just released,
is at
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/ntiageneral/cipa2003/CIPAreport_08142003.htm
The more things change the more they are the same.
Current hot topic on Association of Rural and Small Libraries list are replies
to this request:
My Board of Trustees has asked me to research salaries in organizations that
are comparable to public libraries. What organization do you think are comparable
to a public library? I thought perhaps a museum or a public recreation department.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Township Public Library - NJ
You Wrote: (lightly edited)
"I need to write an article for the local newspaper that explains CIPA and
what its potential impact in our library. To do that, I need to start out
explaining what CIPA and the e-rate are and I am having trouble doing so
in an uncomplicated fashion. Do you have some document I can steal from?
Or could you write how you explain it to people and maybe that we help me?"
Ken replied (in part): ...The copy in the 3 fold is on the SLD web site at:
http://www.sl.universalservice.org/reference/
click on "E-Rate Overview"
VERY GOOD SOURCE (edited):
Attached is an abridged version of my [Bob's] CIPA FAQ.
This focuses primarily on the main questions I have been getting since the
SCOTUS ruling. This will be at http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dltcl/pld/cipafaqlite.html and the
full version at http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dltcl/pld/cipafaq.html
[updated].
Feel free to use any of this.
- Bob [A VERY authoritative source & fellow
member of the e-rate Task Force - when Bob speaks everyone listens, even
SLD.]
___________________________________________
Bob Bocher, Technology Consultant
WI Dept. of Public Instruction, Division for Libraries and Technology...
P.O. Box 7841 Madison, WI 53707-7841
LJ has just published Bob's Boucher article, "A CIPA Toolkit,"
and it's now available on the web.
http://libraryjournal.reviewsnews.com/index.asp?layout=article&;articleid=CA315151
...Cites and Insights: Coping with CIPA
This special edition of Walt Crawford's library and technology 'zine examines
CIPA and its
impact in detail. It includes thoughtful commentary on the decision, reactions
to it, and options ("coping mechanisms") for libraries.
http://cites.boisestate.edu/civ3i9.pdf
...ALSO:
If you have made it all the way down here, and if you still want more I have
circa 1500
print pages and 35,000+ meg of electronic so let me know.
A SELF TEST:
If you received a properly executed National Security Letter that led to
the removal of
all the computer hard drives in your library what would you tell your
Board Chair, Board?
GATES FOUNDATION GRANTS WORKSHOPS: [GFGW]
1 and 2 Computer Grants
Application Training, Day One - 4 contact hours
Applications Training, Day Two - 4 contact hours
Installation and Systems Administration Training - 3 contact
hours
4 and 6 Computer Grants
Day One - 6 contact hours
Day Two - 6 contact hours
Content Server Class
Day One - 5 contact hours
Day Two - 4 contact hours
FUT (Follow-Up Training) - 6 contact hours
NEILSA GFGW PROCEDURE for getting workshop credits for
NEILSA libraries.
After you are finished taking the classes you are going to take:
1. Contact Ken by e-mail telling me
which classes and how many ce's you
get (see above).
2. Ken will make up the certificate and
3. Put it in your van bag for the next
delivery.
END PLATE: Long Announcements, Supporting Documents,
& other "stuff"
Chris is back - more on CIPA
Ken's introductory comment:
Christine Rutherford, is the consultant in the NW LSA, she is writing this
series of CIPA related "letters" to her libraries and has agreed to post
them to the LSA mail list for others to use. I will reproduce them
here without any editing. Christine and I may disagree on some interpretations
of the requirements, but you may be certain that her interpretation is main
stream where as mine are more likely to be strongly libertarian [http://www.libertarian.org/]
in nature. My suggestion is that if you do not have time to study the
original documents you should carefully read Christine's comments and ask
questions about anything you do not understand, if you ask I will give you
all three positions {Censorware, main stream, libertarian} on any subject,
but in the end almost everything not required by the CIPA/NCIPA law is a
local decision.
Suggestion for Board education - reproduce
and handout this material, the Board is going to have to
make some decisions and this is the best way for them to get up to speed
on this topic.
Earlier messages in this series are archived on NW's web site:
http://www.nwils.lib.ia.us/CIPA.html
The first six messages covered:
· CIPA's legal requirements
· Internet safety policies
· Professional debate over filtering and blocking
This message, and another closely following it, will help you understand
how blocking and filtering work.
Message nine will give you:
· Pointers on what to look for if your library decides
to filter
· Filtering software vendors
· A bibliography
Message number ten will close the series with some final words on intellectual
freedom.
Blocking – how it works
Blocking creates a list of sites that can be accessed ("an allow list") and/or
establishes a list of
sites that cannot be accessed ("a disallow list"). Librarians doing collection
development do
something similar: "an allow list" would be the resources they choose to
buy.
A "disallow list" would be the resources they decide not to buy.
Something to think about…
If you decide to block, might you have your own "hidden agenda?"
Do you intend to eliminate addictive use like: gaming, gambling, sexual addictions,
etc. to free up computers?
Might you purposely intend to control who uses your library? (Keeping "riff
raff" or young adults out)
Filtering – how the different types work
Types: · Keyword Filtering
Artificial Intelligence
· Database Filtering
· Database Rating – PICS
· Smart cards
Keyword Filtering – consists of a number of categories with
offending words and phrases
listed in them. If the words or phrases are detected in the text of a web
site, the web site will not be displayed.
Categories That May Be Filtered
(with some sample words)
Adult/sexually explicit
Cults, gangs, racism
Drugs/alcohol/tobacco: "Cocaine", "snorting", "sniffing," "chewing tobacco,"
"beer"
Firearms and explosives: "bomb", "explosion", "incendiary device"
Gambling: "black jack," "roulette," "off-track-betting," "lottery"
Hacking
Sexuality
Pornography
Religion: "Jehovah's Witness," "Scientology"
Hate speech: "mick," "kraut"
Abortion
Body Modification: "tattoo," "piercing", "scarification"
Profanity
Sexual Education
Health Information
Violence: "kill," "maim," "skinhead"
Guns and weapons: "Uzi," "grenade"
Games
Chat
E-mail
Nudity
Explicit sexual activity
Advantages of the keyword filtering method:
·No need to constantly update a list of URLs
·Web pages, search engines, newsgroups and chat are all filtered
Disadvantages of keyword filtering:
·Cannot block sites without forbidden words or phrases - would miss
sites with only offensive pictures, but no text
·Some only block the words in the text, not the whole page itself.
May still show the graphics
·Double entendre (double meanings)
·Poorly-designed filtering lists can block access to legitimate sites
Artificial Intelligence: Filtering products that says they are "smart enough"
to allow a page
that contains a "denied word" in an "approved" context: A page which contains
"breast"
would be displayed if the word "cancer" or "chicken" or "recipe" is near
it.
N2H2 claims to be perfecting artificial intelligence. They use the example
that if the word
"compassion" is near the word "gays" then the page would be displayed.
More information on how TPMs work will follow soon. "Stay tuned."
--
Christine Rutherford
Reference & Internet Services
Northwest Iowa Library Services
Yesterday's message began to explain how technology protection measures work.
Today's message continues
he explanation.
Information presented in both messages has been drawn from a variety of professional
journals. A bibliography
of those articles will follow in coming days.
Database filtering – The most common method. The software company
compiles a database of unacceptable
eb addresses. Human employees surf the Web evaluating sites (kind of like
looking for rotten apples in a barrel).
f they find a "rotten apple," it goes on their unacceptable list.
When a library user types in a web site address, it is first checked against
the unacceptable list before the site
is displayed. If that web site is on the list, the computer won't connect
to it.
Advantages:
Screens out sites designed with objectionable material, text or graphics.
Disadvantages:
List of sites and/or judgments used are often kept highly secret
All pages and levels of a site may be blocked because there was something
objectionable on the first level
Must be frequently updated by employees of filtering software companies
Web is constantly growing – impossible to keep up with – it is estimated
that 25 new web pages are added
to the Internet every second.
Filters may block sites based on political or moral value judgments.
Cyber Patrol has blocked sites such as:
"Operation Rescue" anti-abortion web site because it contains photos of aborted
fetuses.
"Peacefire", an anti-filtering site that provides instructions on how to
bypass filtering products
Web Rating Systems – Commonly called "Platforms for Internet
Content Selection" (PICS). Similar
toatings on movies and song lyrics. Web designers can choose to electronically
place a rating on their own
eb site. There are a number of different rating systems and scales. Some
are simple, others are extremely
omplex to allow for the "artistic" element.
You would then use a filter or a browser that can be set to display only
pages with certain ratings. Internet
Explorer and the newest editions of Netscape can be set to monitor PICS.
Disadvantages:
Not many web site designers have the motivation or knowledge to rate their
sites.
The various rating scales differ in complexity
It is always a value judgment
If the intent is to draw people to a site to shock them, wouldn't perpetrators
purposely deceive?
Some already use Disney character names like "Bambi" and patriotic phrases
like the "White House."
In the wake of Columbine, pornographers began using the word "Columbine"
to lure researchers.
Smart Cards – Like a credit card or library card, the "smart
card" can be inserted into a reader attached to
he computer. The "smart card" can be programmed for different levels of access
(adult unfiltered, child filtered).
parent can program a child's card. Many different options can be pre-set,
including even the time of day the
card is used.
--
Christine Rutherford
Reference & Internet Services
Northwest Iowa Library Services
If you decide to look into purchasing filtering software, here's what you
need to become aware of and consider:
Considerations When Choosing Filtering Software
Total cost of ownership
Up-front and annual costs per user or per network
"Server-based" (for a LAN) or "client-based" (stand alone for the single
computer)
Filtering methods used (keyword? database? rating system?)
Protocols supported {HTML (web pages), FTP (sending
databases of information e.g.
MARC records) and SMTP}
Does the software filter e-mail, instant messaging, chat, streaming video
How complete and updated is the filtering's master database
What might be the possible hidden agendas or slant (difficult to find out
because categories
and lists are often a well-protected business secret) Difficulty of
installation and set-up
Ease of use, management, and reporting
Ability to turn off (upon patron request)
Compatibility with existing hardware and software
Will the software integrate with an existing or planned firewall
Server platforms supported (if you are networked)
Length of time the filtering software takes to perform (is there a lag or
delay)
Options for caching the master filtering database: locally or off-site server
Are there other perks included: anitvirus, antispam, antispoof
Are customer service and support included in the cost
Filtering Software Vendor's Web Sites:
Net Nanny
http://www.netnanny.com/products/index.html
N2H2's Bess Filtering System
http://www.n2h2.com/products/bess_home.php
SurfControl's Cyber Patrol
http://www.cyberpatrol.com
Palisade's ScreenDoor
http://www.screendoor.com/products/screendoor/index.shtml
Websense
http://www.websense.com/internet_filtering_software.cfm
Sprint's "Classroom Connections Reports" (August 2001)
http://www.clickaction.net/partner/sprintebmo/ads/090401/cc_cipa2-P.htm
ILA Pre-Con 2000: "Filtered or Unfiltered Internet Access: How and
Why Libraries Choose" by Carrie Gardner, P.O. Box 226, Hershey, PA 17033
gardnerc@mhs-pa.org
"Internet Filtering Options Analysis: An Interim Report" prepared by Lori
Bowen Ayre for the
InFoPeople Project, May 2001. Summary of this report by Kay Larson, Spencer
Public Library.
"Libraries and the Internet Toolkit" by the American Library Association
"Children's Internet Protection: A Summary" by the American Library Association
"Child Safety on the Information Highway" by Lawrence J. Magid, 1998, National
Center for Missing and
Exploited Children
"Help Children Know the Risk of Chat Rooms," Lawrence J. Magid, Mercury News.
"Digital Chaperones for Kids," Consumer Reports, March 2001, pp. 20-24
GetNetWise: Tools for Families
http://www.getnetwise.org/tools
"Filtering: No Easy Answers," GraceAnne A. DeCandido, Public Libraries, March/April
2000.
USAC Schools and Libraries Program
http://www.sl.universalservice.org/
--
Christine Rutherford
Reference & Internet Services
Northwest Iowa Library Services
This is the tenth and last message in our CIPA series. (Sigh of relief.)
I had expected to end this series with rebuttals from two, still deeply-divided,
embattled opposing viewpoints. But apparently there's a surprise ending to
this story.
Hot off the presses from ALA:
(bold added for emphasis)
ALA reaffirms core values, commitment to members at August 23 meeting:
A statement from ALA President Carla Hayden
(CHICAGO) On August 23, a group of librarians and trustees
representing many of ALA's committees, divisions and libraries of all
types gathered to discuss how best to serve libraries and the millions
of people who depend on their services in light of the recent Supreme
Court ruling on the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). I was
proud to be a part of a process that reaffirmed our profession's
fundamental values of equity of access and intellectual freedom for
all.
Librarians nationwide today are working in a changed environment.
We continue to oppose the use of filters that block access to
constitutionally protected speech and believe filters are not the best
way to ensure library users have a safe and enriching online
experience. Now, however, many library staff and trustees need to
make informed decisions that minimize restrictions on access to legal
and useful information online in light of CIPA.
The American Library Association (ALA) has a long tradition of
providing practical, real-life assistance to our members, as well as
developing best practices and ideals for quality service. At the
meeting, ALA representatives from across the country recommitted
themselves to developing the different tools necessary to inform and
assist librarians and the communities they serve.
In the coming weeks, ALA members and staff will:
Gather current information on the cost of various
technological protection measures, including software,
maintenance, staffing and other costs libraries encounter
when they begin a program using these measures. Because
CIPA is an unfunded mandate, library boards must have the
best information possible to determine financial impacts -
particularly at a time when book budgets, hours of service
and staff are being cut because of budget reductions. In many
instances, the implementation of filters will result in
cuts in other services.
Begin developing criteria and tools for evaluating
technological protection measures in such areas as
transparency of the company and its blocked list,
customization tools that allow for the most narrow
restrictions, privacy protections and ease of disabling, to
name a few. As became apparent during CIPA trial testimony,
Internet filters overblock and underblock information, and any
library compelled to install a filter should have the ability to
minimize that harm.
Provide those libraries that will need to comply with CIPA
with accurate, up-to-date and step-by-step information on
what is needed to meet implementation requirements.
Develop a communications plan to consistently update ALA
members on new resources and to educate the public about
effective Internet safety. The ALA and library staff nationwide
help ensure Internet safety and education, including using
"white lists" like Great Web Sites for Kids
(www.ala.org/greatsites), Internet classes for children and
families, and Internet policies and procedures. As the
National Research Council has stated, there is no "silver
bullet." Parents must not be lulled into a false sense of
security with filters. We must teach children to protect their
privacy online and find the best the Web has to offer while
avoiding illegal information.
Work with state chapters to oppose any further efforts to
mandate filters in libraries.
Gather and share additional research on the impact of
implementing filters.
Equity of access is a core value of the library profession and the ALA,
and we must be clear that installing filters that block access to safe
and legal information deepens the digital divide between those who
have Internet access at home, work or school and those who ‘have
not.' Public libraries are the main access point for millions of
Americans who do not otherwise have access to the wide world of
information available online, and we must ensure that libraries
continue to serve all people equally.
The ALA and its various units are committed to their 127-year
tradition of serving library staff and the millions of Americans who
depend on school and public libraries. I am grateful for the time
everyone took on Saturday to think seriously and strategically
together, and I look forward to sharing more information and
resources as they are developed and vetted by library leaders
nationwide.
The second view point comes is excerpted from an article that appeared earlier
this year in American Libraries: "Blaise Cronin: Defender of CIPA" by Jennifer
Burek Pierce (February 2003, p. 41):
"Blaise Cronin...(former) dean of Indiana University's School of Library
and Information Science, believes that librarians' dialog about Internet
use in U.S. public libraries would benefit from...reliance on facts and common
sense..."
"Cronin testified in April 2002 in defense of the constitutionality of the
Children's Internet Protection Act..
.
"'Technology drives modes of production, modes of delivery, and changes patterns
of consumption,' Cronin asserts... 'Many of the social inhibitions that we
previously faced are now in a sense removed.'"
"Cronin states: 'All the data I've looked at - surveys of librarians - show
that...librarians in the main do not want pornography in their libraries.'
He adds, 'I've talked to librarians, and what I hear is mind-boggling.'
'It's not that I'm anti- or pro-pornography. It's just that there is such
a thing as common sense. Common sense tells you don't give a 10-year-old
a chainsaw'..."
"He also sees access to pornography via the Internet in sharp contrast with
standard library practices. 'Libraries are by definition selective repositories.
If we accept everything, we become Wal-Mart'..."
"When all's said and done, Cronin returns to the the idea of the common good
- and of common sense. 'There's a profound inconsistency in philosophy and
practice in what goes on in the world of libraries,' he says. 'If you deal
in absolutes, there's not much incentive to find a middle path.
Common sense means one thing to you and another to me,' he says, but in the
end, it "preserves the social order."
{The End}
--
Christine Rutherford
Reference & Internet Services
The fine print stuff
blogs - Friday Notes 2 AT - http://radio.weblogs.com/0108327/
NOTICE DISCLAIMER - pick one, any one will do.
MY disclaimer:
Basically my opinions are my own, shared by no one else (sometimes), and
are not the opinions of my agency, my board, my co-workers, my parents, siblings,
relatives, my dogs or most any other know life form. Except, of course,
those very bright concerned, sensitive, perceptive &, in general, well
educated, widely read and cultured individuals who wish to share this peculiar
road to ruin, as well as a couple of down & out drugged out beatniks
from the good old days. OK? The "Prime Directive" applies.
Edited by:
Ken Davenport - NEILSA Consultant
davenport@neilsa.org
COPYLEFT NOTICE 2002:
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IS FREE.
It may be copied, distributed and/or modified under the conditions set down
in the Design Science License published by Michael Stutz at
http://dsl.org/copyleft/dsl.txt
COPYRIGHT
Please note: material found on the web should be assumed to be under copyright
and is presented here for purposes of education and research only.
NOTE: If credited [via ???] or [from so & so] it is their material and
not covered by my "Copyleft" notice. Ken
SOURCE: {Consultant} D:CorelwpdocsFridayNotes0613.wpd August 2,
2002
BOILER PLATE FOOTNOTES:
1. WARNING: I will be able to give you about a 5 working day warning on deadlines
(by e-mail, less otherwise) I have 10 days to reply, if I miss the deadline,
well I won't miss, if you miss ... I'll send it in late but ....
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