Internet Filters and Right to Access

The America Library Association has its own Library Bill of Rights that state the library professions belief in everyone's right to information. Libraries provide millions of people access to information through books, classes, digital media and, of course, THE INTERNET.

However, libraries receiving funding from the Federal Government through eRate must filter all public access computers that children can access. So, most libraries in my area are filtered. They are filtered minimally: pornography, bittorrents, adware are filtered.

Persons over 18 can request the filter to be removed. So, if you are using OpenDNS, here is how to temporarily disable the filter:

Be Aware, though, that viewing most filtered sites will violate your terms of use and computer use policies with your library. Meaning you can lose computer use privileges.

But why, you may ask, if I have a right to this information, am I being punished for accessing it. You have a right to access that info on your personal device. The library has a right to protect their equipment. Pornography sites and gambling sites come with lots of malware and viruses. BitTorrent sites that download movies (etc) illegally are tracked by Internet Providers and will charge users and abusers of copyright.

Day One!

It's BookGeek1's First Day at her new library...


As I wrap up my very first day at my new job only one thing springs to mind.

Pop Tab Bracelets

Pop Tab Bracelets are one of my favorite teen crafts!

They are cheap!
They are easy!
They are popular!

Love them! Love them! Love them!

Seriously, you need pop tabs (just ask your patrons to bring them in), black elastic cord (or ribbon), and scissors.

That's it!

Well, that and my handy-dandy step-by-step guide. I have two options here for you.

One option is a single sheet which works wonderfully if you want to create a make & take craft. Just pop the sheet and the supplies into a ziploc bag and you are good to go!

The 2nd option is a great reusable option. I print 2 per page, cut them in half, laminate them, and attach them all to a ring. This creates an awesome instructional flip-book.

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!

Greetings!

We are Jennifer & Maribeth and we are awesome!

On the Dells in Wisconsin

We have been buddies since college when we moved in across the hall from each other at the same time.

McPherson College Graduation (Maribeth Center, Jennifer 2nd from Right)

Since then we have been through a lot together.

We've seen the world (with our other trusty Panda friend).....



Studied abroad in Wales....

Jennifer finds Nessie in Loch Ness, Scotland

Jennfier finds the stone circle from Outlander

Jennifer gets hailed on at Uhquart Castle of Loch Ness

Went to the same Graduate School to study different programs.

After that we ended up working together at the only two county library in the state of Kansas. The same library that oversaw both of our childhood libraries.

A short time later, Maribeth was off to work for a library system and Jennifer was left behind....

But wait!

In true stalker fashion (kidding, it just kind of happened this way), Jennifer wound up working for the public library in the very same town.

That's right! We were back together again! Which was a great thing because Maribeth really missed Jennifer.

Since then we have continued our adventures.

We've continued to work in the theatre together.

"Enchanted April"

We were even together when Jennifer tried her very first pickle

Pickles are gross in Winnipeg, Canada

And then Maribeth had to finish it.

No, they are not...

Today Jennifer has left that library and is on the way to yet another Kansas library, but we are hoping that this blog will help others while helping us continue our adventures together.