Elizabeth Parker, Phoenix Public Library management services administrator, told American Libraries that the additional staff will primarily answer questions about the filtering software, take requests to have sites unblocked, and ensure that patrons are following the library’s internet-use policy.
The library has taken other steps to ensure a safe online environment, in response to the August 11 arrest of Charlton Glenn Ward, a paroled sex offender found in possession of child pornography that he claimed to have downloaded at the library. Public-use terminals have been moved closer to staff desk areas, and the library keeps an automated log of all internet downloads for 30 days that would be made available to law enforcement agents armed with an appropriate court order.
Posted December 23, 2004.