Let us say at the outset that neither the Monroe County Library System nor any member library condones viewing of age-inappropriate materials by children. At the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County we had undertaken rather elaborate systems to ensure that such viewing, intentional or inadvertent, did not take place.

Recent TV coverage has suggested that more work needs to be done, particularly with respect to inadvertent viewing, what some might call the “second-hand smoke” effect. 

The administration took immediate action. The ability of all patrons at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County to unblock computer filters was suspended immediately, pending full board review of policies and procedures regarding internet access. At the present time, therefore, there can be no question of viewing of age-inappropriate material on the internet by children at that facility. 

We all agree that, consonant with law, we must “protect our children” from age-inappropriate materials. In this regard the library has put in place filtering hardware and software. We provided that children under the age of 17 could not unblock the filters on any computer workstation. To address the rights of adults seeking to access materials blocked by the filters we permitted persons 17 and older to request that a workstation be unblocked, but attempted – through the placement and location of those workstations, to assure that others and particularly children, were not inadvertently exposed to materials which might be age-inappropriate or otherwise offensive.  TV coverage has suggested that we could do more to prevent inadvertent viewing and we will study ways to insure that this is the case.  

Filtering of content has been an inexact science and has resulted in blocking sites with legitimate content. As a corollary, to request unblocking of filters is not necessarily an admission or declaration of wrong-doing or bad intent. Put differently, not all people who wear trench coats are spies. Some simply want to ward off the elements. 

We must remember that we are all in this together. The imperatives surrounding child protection and the rights of adults to access legally protected materials must be reconciled. These are community issues that deserve rational, reasoned consideration and thought. To that end I will introduce a Joint Resolution for consideration by the Boards this morning.

This statement was read by George Wolf, President of the Monroe County Library System Board of Trustees, at the February 28, 2007 joint meeting of the MCLS and Rochester Public Library Boards of Trustees.