After area residents decried some rules proposed for Internet-using patrons of San Francisco Public Library, trustees have delayed action on the guidelines until October 5. Introduced at a September 1 board meeting, the rules would deny library privileges to people caught spamming, invading others' privacy, or sending defamatory statements about individuals from SFPL terminals.
Library activist James Chaffee characterized the guidelines as vague and intrusive to users. "The library is basically saying they're going to be the cop," the September 2 San Francisco Chronicle quoted him as saying.
Librarian Melissa Riley commented, "It's good if it says we are not responsible for monitoring content."
Noting that the guidelines had been formulated as a proactive tool "staff can call upon when they need it," SFPL Director Regina Minudri explained, "We want it to be legal, readable, and understandable." The policy was formulated following six months' work with a focus group.
Posted September 7, 1998.