April 21, 2010

Governor Announces Support For Legislation Enhancing Library Internet Protection For Children

MILLSBORO – Governor Jack Markell announced his support today for legislation aimed at protecting children who access the internet at Delaware’s public libraries. During an event at Millsboro Public Library, Governor Markell addressed the importance of safety and responsible use of technology to a class of third-grade students from East Millsboro Elementary School and other attendees.
 
“Delaware has been a leader among states in the availability of broadband to all libraries. As technology evolves, we must also adapt our policies,” said Governor Markell.  “Our goal is to expand access to technology, which in turn expands access to skills, knowledge and high-quality jobs.  While enabling greater access, it is our duty to continue to ensure its responsible use in our libraries, especially for the safety of our children.”
 
The proposed legislation – House Bill 340 – would update a law first enacted in 2004 by employing more technology-neutral language, thus accommodating the growing use of wireless access and the inevitable introduction of other technologies. The bill also enhances the original established protections for children who use library computers.
 
The co-sponsors of the original legislation – Rep. John C. Atkins, D-Millsboro, and Sen. Robert Venables, D-Laurel – are also sponsoring the current bill, which subjects the use of personal mobile devices (e.g. web-enabled phones, laptops) within a public library to that library’s acceptable use policy.
 
Rep. Atkins said the legislation would serve a dual purpose of promoting the use of wireless technology and increased Internet access while protecting children from obscene or sensitive materials. “The Internet has opened many doors to our children, giving them unprecedented access to information in a matter of seconds,” said Atkins, “but there are risks involved.”
 
A recent study published by the Institute of Museum and Library Services reports that 45 percent of the 169 million visitors to U.S. public libraries over the past year connected to the Internet using a library computer or wireless network during their visit. Many of these individuals have internet access at home, but chose to use library networks for a variety of reasons.
 
House Bill 340 reaffirms that parents/guardians will continue to make decisions about whether their children should have no access or limited access to the Internet through library computers. It also allows libraries to offer improved age-appropriate options for limited Internet access.
 
“This legislation is an extension of our earlier efforts to regulate access to inappropriate materials over the Internet in our libraries,” said Sen. Venables. “I believe it strikes a good balance between protecting children and protecting First Amendment free speech rights.”
 
Passage of the legislation would also help the Delaware Division of Libraries (DDL) more effectively implement a new initiative to improve workforce skills, assist with job searches, and educate adults. DDL is currently competing for federal grant funding – with the help of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – to expand a pilot program which would create Job/Learning Labs at public libraries. If the grant application is successful, labs will be located in 4 anchor libraries but will heavily involve and leverage services at all 32 Delaware libraries.