Libraries and the Internet Toolkit

Introduction

The Internet is a rich and educational resource for information, ideas and entertainment. No other medium provides us with so much information so easily. At the same time, the Internet has raised concerns about privacy and children's access to information. As the number one point of entry to the Internet outside of work, school or home, libraries, especially public libraries, address these concerns every day.

The American Library Association (ALA) has produced this "toolkit" to assist librarians in managing the Internet and educating their public about how to use it effectively. ALA encourages all libraries to implement policies that protect both children and public access to information and to take an active role in educating their communities about this important resource.

ALA has a brochure for parents called The Librarian's Guide to Great Web Sites for Kids (formerly called The Librarian's Guide to Cyberspace for Parents & Kids; telephone: 800-545-2433. ext. 5044/5041 or e-mail pio@ala.org for more information), which includes online safety tips and some of the great Web sites for kids.