Library Policy on Internet Filters

Kingston Frontenac Public Library maintains a policy of open access to all materials for all members of the public. Internet filters restrict use and limit computer access. Therefore Kingston Frontenac Public Library does not use filters on public access computers. In addition:

• We expect parents to be responsible for and to be aware of what their children are borrowing from the library and what they are viewing on the public Internet computers. We encourage parents to get involved with their children when they are using the Internet. Filters can never replace talking to your child about what is appropriate and inappropriate for your family. The public library does not act as a parent in the parent's absence.
   
• We feel it is important for children to learn how to interpret information and how to make decisions about what is appropriate and useful and what is not.
   
• Filters give a false sense of security. They discourage dialogue about what a child is doing on the Internet. Research has shown that the majority of Internet use by children is on chat-lines. There are definitely some undesirables who lurk on these chat-lines and it is important that parents and guardians stay tuned in to what their children are involved in.
   
• Filters can block information inadvertently. The classic example is having information on Breast Cancer blocked because the word "breast" has been excluded by the filter.
   
• Filters may have hidden agendas that exclude information for political or social reasons. For example, some filters will block information on sexuality or on a particular political view.
   
• Filters may not actually filter out the type of materials that we would want them to filter out. There are many examples of pornographic websites which get around the protocols of these filters.

For these reasons, Kingston Frontenac Public Library favours parental involvement as a safeguard for its child users instead of this less-reliable technological solution. Questions or comments about this Internet Filtering Policy should be directed to Deborah Defoe, Chief Executive Officer, Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Updated: September 17, 2002