Greensboro is in need of some help in the public relations area, and I’d like to offer a suggestion about one item in particular. A story aired on Fox 8 earlier this month highlighting the fact that the Greensboro Central Library doesn’t have a porn filter.
Today, a story has surfaced on the News & Record’s Web site highlighting that “police charged a 41-year-old man with looking at child pornography on the Internet” at this same library.
When I visited the Central Library last week to pick up a book I quickly noticed how many folks were using the computers and learned that there is typically a waiting list. It’s great that we provide computer access to so many citizens, but seriously, is there any harm with implementing a porn filter?
Here is what I’d like to see:
Step 1: Have the IT department implement a porn filter for all library computers.
Step 2: Once step 1 is complete the City should issue a press release informing the media of the change, along with the estimated number of folks that use the computers on an annual basis and highlight that the computers offer a great service (free Web access, computer training, etc.) to members of the community. Fix the problem and highlight the positives.
And for anyone thinking, “But what if I’m doing a research project on porn?” Something could be worked out to give you special access if need be.
Update: I thought I should mention this. If a filter is not the “right answer,” we should work towards finding a way to reduce the amount of porn that is viewed on library computers.
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