25 May 2006

Library-based internet access is safe

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Internet access through Australia's public libraries is safe for children and other uses according to a survey by the Australian Library and Information Association which revealed the majority have detailed guidelines and policies for internet use.

"Australia's public libraries are key players in addressing the need for equitable community access to online information and services, and they are also safe places to use the internet," executive director of the Australian Library and Information Association, Sue Hutley, said today.

Ms Hutley was launching the most recent national survey of Australian public libraries, which also revealed that many libraries require parental consent or adult supervision for children to use the internet.

The Association and Australia’s public libraries have been keeping a close watch on internet use and content since libraries first began offering access to the world wide web.

The survey was completed in December 2005 and is the second comprehensive survey of internet delivery, use and management across 700 of Australia’s public libraries.

'We found that the use of filtering services has increased by 12 per cent since the first survey was completed in 2002," Ms Hutley said.

"Over 77 000 people access the internet services through public libraries every week. The survey also showed that only 2.2 per cent of complaints received by librarians were about internet content, and that percentage covered all content issues, not just inappropriate material."

Recent announcements by various politicians about internet access in libraries have led some in the community to believe libraries allow unfettered access to the internet, a position Ms Hutley strongly refutes.

"Libraries have a duty of care and we take this very seriously," she said. "The Association has developed a strong partnership with NetAlert on behalf of our members as part of this responsibility."

NetAlert is a federal government agency providing practical advice and education on internet safety to the community, with a particular focus on children. The agency works closely with the Australian Library and Information Association and is sponsoring Library and Information Week this month in recognition of their partnership.

Lara MacDonell, general operations manager for NetAlert, sees libraries as having a key role in internet safety. "NetAlert recognises that one of the key areas where children can access the internet is at the public library. It's NetAlert's primary objective to promote a safer Internet experience for young people and their families.

"We work closely with libraries to raise awareness of the potential risks associated with internet use, particularly for young Internet users," Ms MacDonell said. "We have created resources specifically for librarians for their professional development and Internet safety educational materials which libraries can provide to library users."

The training and support services are provided to libraries free of charge and can be accessed online from http://www.netalert.net.au/library/ or by calling toll free 1800 880 176.

Ms Hutley said it is essential for information access to be as broad as possible, as long as it is also appropriate to the age and needs of the client.

"Protecting the free flow of information and access to recorded knowledge is an important responsibility for library and information workers. There is no other profession charged specifically with this responsibility."

Australia's libraries will be celebrating their successes next week when Library and Information Week 2006 kicks off on May 22nd and it will be NetAlert's third year as sponsor of the event.

The week’s activities will include a national program of events and dozens of local library tours, competitions, presentations and giveaways for the kids. The national program for Library and Information Week can be found at http://alia.org.au/advocacy/liw/ and local libraries will be advertising their own programs through local media and in the library.