By Ellen Fox
The Englewood Public Library implemented an elaborate Internet filtering system
earlier this year, which is designed to meet the moral standards of the local community
while still allowing freedom of choice. The system, called SmartGuardianTM ,
incorporates the use of smart card technology into a traditional Internet filtering
package.
To access the Internet from the the public library's computers, patrons must come to
the library, read the Internet Policy and sign an Internet Agreement Form. They are
then issued a SmartCard which, when inserted into a card reader attached to the
Internet terminal, allows one of three levels of access to the Internet. The system
makes use of both blacklist and whitelist types of Internet filters. The whitelist
method is the most restricted. Only web sites that have been preselected are allowed
to display in the browser. In Englewood's case, KidsClick! and Awesome Library
content providers supply the approved sites.
An intermediate level of access to the Internet is provided through the blacklist,
designed by GuardiaNet. In a blacklist system, all sites are allowed to display except
those the filter has determined contain inappropriate material. Which sites count as
inappropriate can be at least partially configured by the library administrator, with
possible categories including hate speech, drugs, cults, criminal skills and several
others. In theory, the SmartGuardianTM system can be customized indefinitely,
allowing for many more than three levels of access. Each level of customization,
however, adds to the system's cost.
The SmartCard system can be extended to allow patrons to pay for photocopying,
fines, printers and vending machines with the cards. Englewood has not implemented
this functionality.
Library staff hope this system will be responsive to the concerns of those on either
side of the Internet filtering debate. Patrons under 18 years must have their card
applications signed by their parents. The parents may choose unrestricted Internet
access for their children, or they may pick either the blacklist or whitelist. In the
recent Loudoun case in the Eastern District of Virginia (F24 F. Supp. 2d 552), one of
the court's concerns was that the library's filter was applied to everyone willy-nilly.
The SmartCard system addresses that concern.
Though many still object that filtering is both technologically and ethically
problematic, the reality is that many libraries' boards, constituencies and local
legislatures are making Internet filtering a requirement.
Hank Long, director of Englewood Public Library, says public and staff reaction to the
SmartGuardianTM Internet filtering system has been positive. The system was
expensive just over $100,000. However, Long says that the vendor has been very
responsive to requests for changes to the system, and patrons have been appreciative of
the choices.
More information about the SmartGuardianTM system can be found at
www.smartguardian.com/.
