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This week I asked three questions regarding internet access/filtering in schools. I received around 50 responses. Here are questions and results: 1. Do you have one-size-fits-all filtering where access is same for lower grades and for high school seniors? All but three people said their access was the same for all levels. 2. Who decides internet filtering settings and sets policies for use—EVERYONE said tech director and/or staff had the most power. In 5 instances, there were committees in place that worked toward consensus. All others said the power was in the hands of technology. In about 3 cases, all from smaller districts, the superintendent took personal interest. 3. Do librarians have any input about policies? 25 people said NO. 5 said yes, and in all five cases, committees were in place. What have I learned? 1. Technology committees are invaluable. Librarians must join. If no committees exist, and access is lacking, librarians should work to get them in place. 2. Sadly, a lot of people are afraid to speak out about Internet policies for fear of losing ground or going out on a limb. In one instance, a librarian reported a very positive situation where improved access was achieved through committee. The committee even included students, which I though was great. But this person is not comfortable being quoted. It seems that there is a new superintendent and if he learned that access was so reasonable, and kids had a voice, he might clamp down. 3. Some people want to take me to task for saying we should allow internet searching at all. I have been told I am not conscious of what it is like to be in "the real world," since I teach at the university level. I would like to point out that as recently as 2000, I was a practicing librarian in a junior high in a very conservative Texas county, Montgomery County/Conroe ISD. My district had reasonable Internet access. I had around 1000 students, 24 computers on main floor plus attached lab, and very high print circulation. The library was a very busy place, and still is. I did allow Internet searching, but stressed that students should first use print, then subscription databases, THEN supervised net searching as needed. I was always on the floor when kids were searching the net, and very watchful. I had computers arranged so that I could see all screens. This worked for me then and I firmly believe it would still work for me. Thanks to everyone for all responses. I have been working on this article for a long time and do expect to see it in print this spring. I know I have posted about it more than once, and appreciate your patience and generous sharing of responses. Also, thanks for your kind words and wishes regarding my broken wrist and surgery. Today is the first day I have tried to key with both hands, and I am encouraged to be able to do it, at least for a little while! I plan to be back on a hiking trail by late December…BUT I will be using my trekking poles. They were in the car when I fell. If you like to hike and do not have poles, give them a try! Oh yes and, my Nancy doll is much better also. Of course her sore arm is still a bit stiff, but then it always was. Thanks again, Mary Ann -- ********************************************* "Try curiosity!"--Dorothy Parker ********************************************* Dr. Mary Ann Bell Associate Professor, Library Science Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX drmaryannbell@gmail.com lis_mah@shsu.edu -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html --------------------------------------------------------------------