Edited log of discussion sessions on April 8, 1996 at noon and at 8pm.
Ringer says, "I would like to turn the session over to our speaker,
Betty Turock, president of American Libraries Association"
BettyT-lib says, "Hi, I'm glad to be able to share some ideas with you
today"
BettyT-lib says, "Thank you for joining me today."
BettyT-lib says, "Nothing happening today offers more challenge and more opportunity for the people of the U.S. than the emerging national electronic information superhighway (IS). Political leaders from both sides of the aisle agree that all Americans must be connected. But we need more than words to guarantee that we will have the same free and open access to information in the 21st century we have today."
BettyT-lib says, "The 57,000 member American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest library association in the world, is championing access for people of all ages and circumstances. ALA held the Summit, "A Nation Connected," where a panel of experts helped 1) define public interest issues in the IS and 2)identified ways to get the public involved; their voices heard."
BettyT-lib says, "Unless we take steps to protect the public interest, the IS could become a road open to only those who can afford it. The IS is widening the gulf between the information rich and information poor, even as it revolutionizes how we live, learn, work and connect to one another and even as more and more of the information that we need about jobs, health, education, government is in computers."
BettyT-lib says, "That's where ALA believes libraries come in. The 100,000 libraries throughout the U.S. are the nation's information infrastructure--the natural points of entry to the superhighway. The people of the United States have already spent billions of dollars on their libraries. It would be economically foolish not to ensure them a place in the electronic future of our country."
BettyT-lib says, "The superhighway of information isn't about the future; it's about now. Decisions being made without informed public participation will affect American lives and influence the shape of our democracy for the 21st century."
BettyT-lib says, "How do you think we can guarantee our grandchildren the same free and open access to information that you and I enjoy today?"
BettyT-lib says, " I'm eager to hear your comments and questions."
Ninja_Librarian asks, "Will public libraries play the biggest role?"
BettyT-lib says, "No, all libraries have a role. Academic libraries have been
using the internet for the longest period of time to keep scholars and
students up-to-date in their disciplines. School libraries have the
responsibility of ensuring that our youth can use and get access to the
information they need--they can and will do much of the teaching. Public
libraries will provide access for all, regardless of age or
circumstance."
Cathy says, "my concern is equipment...and training. How can we address
both of these issues within just the library
structure?"
Lynn asks, "How do we insure that people get "good" information with so much
out there in the electronic format?"
BettyT-lib says, "If we haven't been in a continuing ed class in more than 5
years, we'd better get back to learning what's new with electronic
information. There is also a lot of research going on now, in and outside
librarianship about how to get the right info to clients instead of all of
the info on a specific subject--it's a matter of precision, not relevance."
BeaAnn asks, "I'm wondering what we might do to help library patrons and
others deal with feelings of bewilderment as they begin to recognize the
depth and breadth of information available to them?"
BettyT-lib says, "One of the things all librarians in all types of
libraries will need to do is develop an
educational program and offer it to their clients at publically
announced times on a scattered but scheduled basis. We have to let them
know the problems they might encounter but more important what is
available to them."
bess says, "I am wondering even more about the bewilderment librarians feel
...are we ready to provide the public with access to the IS? Many libraries
are short of funds already...adding new tasks to their staff is going to be
difficult...how can we sell them on IS?"
BettyT-lib says, "On April 16 ALA is sponsoring Log on @ the Library Day, as
a way to introduce them to the NII and encourage them to
want to knwo more about it. We think that if they know what libraries
can provide they will help us get the word out that libraries need
funding for technology and
training for all people to be connected."
bess says, "I am wondering more about the unskilled library staff..those who
resent this new technoloyg usurping old library jobs"
BettyT-lib says, "I'm not sure there are any unskilled library staff--they
have probably been asssisted in finding other employment. But all library
workers need re-tooling. It is not just a matter of professional
education. That's why when we write to our public officials we speak of
re-tooling for librarians and all library workers."
DeniseC says "While I believe that libraries SHOULD be the source of access to Internet information, I'm concerned that folks will use libraries as an excuse by saying--"well, the information poor can just go to the libraries" to justify a lack of other forms of assistance (and they'll probably gripe about wasting their tax money on the library as well). I can't really see libraries providing full Internet access to patrons (including e-mail) for obvious financial and security reasons. Yet without this, there isn't anything close to "equal access". What level of service do you feel libraries should provide and how do you deal with the problems of funding, space, and time (should users be limited if there is a line)?
BettyT-lib says, "The federal government has estimated the cost of connecting
every home to the I-way at about $250 billion. That would represent a
huge tax bite for a nation alaready
struggling to balance its budget. I'm not sure the American people are
ready to take that on. With libraries as on-ramps the equity would be
combined with reasonable cost."
BettyT-lib says, "Funding is the big issue."
BettyT-lib says, "It's going to take private-public partnerships. Until now
investments in libraries from the telecom and other corporations that stand
to make big money on the I-way have been regional and sporadic. We need
national commitment to ensure a level playing field--one unencumbered by
geographics. "
BettyT-lib says, "On Friday I will be in Washington on a panel before the FCC with Secretary of Education Riley and Senator Olympia Snow from the state of Washington giving ALA's view of what universal service should entail and how a part of the telecoms responsibility is to fund from their profits access for all. We will also be setting in motion the discounts for libraries provided by the Telecom Act of 1996."
BettyT-lib says, ""The federal, state and local governments and university governing bodies all have to make significant contributions. That means preparing the people for the tax implications. They will need to know the benefits they will get from the I-way."
BettyT-lib asks, "What do you think?"
Ringer says, "i think we all feel some funding scheme is necessary "
DeniseC nods.
SandyR-lib says, "I had never considered the partnership idea, and see how it
could be a bonus for the corporations in that once persons experience the
Iway through their library, they may be more inclined to invest in it
personally, if they have the means."
BettyT-lib says, ""You're right on target, Sandy. The American Library
Association has already developed principles for the development of the
NII. All blueprints deal with the technical side, but most forget the
social issues."
SandyR-lib says, "how does equity differ from universal acaccess"
BettyT-lib says, "The responsibility should be shared by many; so
we--librarians have to assume a major role. As yet the problems and
promises of the I-S arae known to only a small portion of the population."
Joyce-lib asks, "You said that school librarians should provide access and
prepare our youth. MANY, MANY youth do not have access to school
librarians. Who should be responsible for spreading the work to school
districts and to parents?"
BettyT-lib says, "Our job is to take to the people the message (parents, etc.)
that decisions are being made that are affecting their access to information
they need."
Sunstone_Guest asks, "How do we approach them when so many other issues are
overwhelming them?"
BettyT-lib says, "Talk to your school librrian about having a program for the
public that informs the people about the promises andpitfalls of the
IS. Get them interested, inform them of what's at stake."
Joyce-lib says, "There are no school librarians in many areas"
BettyT-lib says, "SPONSOR a school summit at the library where officials,
librarians and the public grapple with how the library will respond to
public interests in the IS."
Ringer says, "Perhaps the public libraries again can educate the
community."
BettyT-lib says, "And how library services will change in the 21st
century. Then, tell them to contact their local, state and national
representatives to let them know their views."
SandiT-lib says, "We are planning to take full advantage of next week's
Log on@ the library day. Several teachers and school officials are
committed to coming"
BettyT-lib smiles.
Ringer asks, "betty do we have time for any more questions? or do you
want to wrap up"
BettyT-lib says, "I can take one more, but unfortunately, I have a 1:30
appointment in my office."
TinaP says, "how do we communicate to public libraries the importance of the
Internet? For example, locally here in N.C. the libraries just spent tons of
money putting in computers that just access informational databases. That
money could have been spent in a more productive manner, by just installing
connections to the Internet and having access to these databases anyway. How
do we get the message across to the librarians where the money can be best
spent? How do we get them to make informed choices? In my opinion, putting
in these computers was a waste of tax monies, when they could have used that
money in a more productive manner."
bess . o O ( so we have to be net-savy, people-savy, politically- savy...hmmm
all things to all people )
Ringer smiles at bess.. why of course..
BettyT-lib says, "We need to encourage our state libraries and library
associations all across the country to have workshops on a myriad issues
on the I-way. If you belong to a committee in an association that plan
educational programs, get an agenda together about the issues you think
librarian need to be educated about, then push them as an agenda for the
group's next conference or meeting."
DeniseC wonders how most libraries are going to be able to afford this--the
NII is great in theory, but with all the moves to cut the federal budget, and
with the local communities most in need of access least likely to have the
tax base necessary to support access--how do you see it being financed (and
will the best off communities benefit most as they already have the resources
and the ability to take advantage of anything offered)?
BettyT-lib says, "They can't without help."
Roxanne says, "I also see most of the problem lies in financial aspects of the
access providing process"
BettyT-lib says, "Its going to take a private-public partnership. Until
now investments in schools and libraries from the telecommunications and
other corporations that stand to make big money on the IS have been
regional and sporadic. We need a national commitment to ensure a level
playing field. That should be part of the common carriers' responsibility
for universal service that the new Telecom Act mandates."
BettyT-lib says, "The federal, state, and local governement also have to make
contributions. That means that the people will need to know the benefits
they will get from I-way -- how it can increase our economic vitality and
productivity, contribute to education and literacy; broaden the horizons
for recent immigrants, minorities, and youth; and improve the quality of
life for our growing number of older people. That's a story that hasn't
yet received the attention it deserves."
SheilaB-lib says, "Sorry. I am asking about the hang ups and slowness of
internet access during the day, for those who have dial-up--and almost any
library can afford dial-up access."
Ringer [to SheilaB-lib]: you mean ease of access?
SheilaB-lib says, "I mean, it too often cannot connect to the site, or, hangs
up during the connection--thus making it baarely usable."
Ringer nods .. quality of connection.
SheilaB-lib says, "yes, and other than dial-up is too costly"
BettyT-lib says, "The major telephone companies are piping ISDN which will
imporve time as it extends the opportunity for multimedia connections--but
the multimedia transmissions will be slow and could cause
gridlock."
SheilaB-lib says, "ISDN will be great in certain parts of the country, but not
for a long time in others"
BettyT-lib says, ""It isn't quite true that any library can afford the connect
time. Connect time is the least of it. Libraries have to have the
technology, the software and the staff must be educated in up-to-the-minute
technology."
SheilaB-lib says, "true, and it's hard to play catch up. We have been
training staff for a year"
BettyT-lib says, "All of that costs money and libraries have gone thru a
period of austerity. They will need an investment from the federal
state and local government and from telecom companies."
Cyd says, "What about something like the Galileo project in Georgia? From
what little I've read, it seems to be a reasonable attempt to solve some of
these questions."
BettyT-lib asks, "My understanding of the funding there is that it is
government money that has made access in GA. Is that what you are referring
to?"
Cyd says, "yes. A big committment from the legislature plus several large
state universities"
BettyT-lib says, "The state of GA thru its legislature provided incentives for
all kinds of libraries"
Cyd says, "it seems like it might make a good model."
BettyT-lib says, "Yes, MD is a good model and LA as well. All provide access
thru their libraries . Even email in Md."
Cathy thinks another good model is the WV connections for all public
libraries
BettyT-lib says, "Yes, the Coalition for Government Information gives awards
each year to the groups or persons who have made access to information
possible in a new or substantial way. It can be information generally or
government information alone"
BettyT-lib says, " I want to ask you a question."
BettyT-lib asks, "Have you been following the progress of the Telecommunication
s Act of 1996?"
Ringer has and thinks many folks have.
SheilaB-lib nods
Cathy nods
DeniseC nods
tombick nods somewhat.
Roxanne nods.
Judith nods (but not as closely as I should, I'm sure."
BettyT-lib asks, "What do you think of the Communications Decency
Standard?"
SheilaB-lib joined in the ALA suit
Ringer says, "That would mean if someone here says something 'dirty' to a
child, who would be responsible "
SheilaB-lib worries about the library's liability
Ringer looks to Riche as senior admin here ::)
Roxanne asks, "Public libraries offer information via the net.. and many other
agencies (service providers) can do the same for people sitting at home
comfortably.. do we want to cater to these clients at the same time to those
who have-not?"
BettyT-lib says, "Yes, I think that all of the people in a community--locality,
college or university, school--should be able to connect to the I-way from
the library whether it is from the library building or from teir homes."
Cyd . o O ( wow )
BettyT-lib says, "But the high cost of technology and the rapidity with
which it changes could make all of us information poor. We all need a
place where the technology is up-to-date and the cost of providing it is
reasonable."
Roxanne asks, "so are we competing with local Internet service providers? --
to make it seem "free"?"
Di says, "why not collaborate with ISP's where they exist...but they aren't in
every locale by any stretch of the imagination."
BettyT-lib says, "There has been a lot of talk about connecting every home in
the US. That would cost about $250 billion"
SheilaB-lib says, "One of our local ISPs wants to give free connection to the
library--as advertising"
Roxanne asks, "via cable channels?"
SheilaB-lib says, "Dial up"
BettyT-lib says, "It i an important issue. Because libraries need the support
of everyone to get funded and if people don't think there is something in it
for them they won't be willing to support."
Roxanne says, "but in a large sense, we are, though"
Roxanne says, "Another question is what "type" of information are we
providing? Are the information readily available and free from the net or
are there fee-based information sources that we feel "compelled" to carry
eventually.."
BettyT-lib says, "If we scan the marketing hype on the I-way, we could
conclude that the driving force is finding out who's buying what"
BettyT-lib says, "how much they are spending on entertainment today and how
much more they can be convinced to spend tomorrow."
BettyT-lib says, "But according to a recent MCI study, people in our country
are eager to connect to information about health, government affairs,
education--information to help them lead more satisfying lives tops the
list of services they want most."
Cathy is thinking about the ISP's in WV that filed suit to block the WV
educational network from offering community Internet access at a cut
rate.
BettyT-lib says, ""That's the information libraries have, as we all know.
Libraries will have to select the free information and the information
sources that have fees and offer both."
Roxanne says, "but there are more and more "sources", useful and
intellectually valuable that are designed at a fee-based form"
tombick would like to hear more on CDA for a moment
BettyT-lib says, "Let's go back to the CDA--yes."
Roxanne says, "sorry, I didn't catch what CDA means"
Richelieu says, "Communications Decency Act."
Cathy would like to hear more too
Di nods
BettyT-lib says, "ALA is the lead plainriff in a suit
challenging the constituionality of the CDA. It makes it a crime punishable
by imprisonment and fines up to $100,000 for transmitting even inadvertently
information to minors that is considered indecent. The problem is that
indecent is a vague term"
Di applauds ALA's decision and role in fighting the CDA
Richelieu says, "actually, you don't even have to transmit it to minors..
just if it's _possible_ for them to get ahold of it somehow.."
Ringer asks, "That is different than for printed materials, correct?"
BettyT-lib says, "and the CDA will have a chilling effect on
the information that people need being sent electronically and that if
enacted libraries might not want to run the risk of high penalities--"
Richelieu says, "it should be noted, BTW, that the CDA also prevents anyone
from discussing abortion online, and a couple of other things like that"
BettyT-lib says, "so we all lose, including the people who would be locked out
of the information,"
Roxanne asks, "how much chance do you think that CDA will be rethought
and changed?"
Roxanne asks, "and changed or abandoned?"
BettyT-lib says, "We can all email the Congress on this one. It won't be
enacted until the suit is settled, so we have time to let officials know what
we think."
Judith says, "Not in Ohio, Ringer. There's a group called Family Friendly
that wants all materials censored. No one under 18 can check out adult
material. To which I say then no one over 18 can check out juvenile
materials. That will lput a twist in some peoples knickers."
Cyd [to Judith]: do they want them to be burned? or simply not purchased by
libraries?
SheilaB-lib thinks most but not all states exempt public libraries from from
book *pornography*
Judith says, "They want them put out of reach--what ever that means at this
point."
BettyT-lib says, "If the courts decide in our favor it will be abandoned and
we have a very good chance of that happening. Writing to the President, the
Congress is a good tactic--so they won't put another law in that is equally
damaging to providing access to electronic info."
SheilaB-lib agress--especially Congressmen
Di says, "I think librarians have a never-ending battle on all fronts...to
protect our right to all information."
SheilaB-lib says, "especially government info"
Richelieu says, "the problem is that even if we win the cases currently in
process, the CDA still won't go away."
Richelieu says, "current cases are only challenging certain bits of it."
BettyT-lib says, "Family Friendly library groups are in several places. But
libraries are and always have been friendly--that's another story we have to
tell."
BettyT-lib says, "It's gettting late, and I will have to sign off. I meet
with Peter Jennings in the morning"
Cathy thinks library schools need to be teaching more classes in public
relations and advertising :)
Cyd [to BettyT-lib]: thanks for coming
tombick really appreciates the ALA involvement in the CDA suit
Roxanne sighs
Cathy applauds
DeniseC applauds and waves bye to BettyT
Richelieu [to BettyT-lib]: it's nice to have met you.
Cathy hopes Betty will come back again and have another chat
BettyT-lib says, "As yet, the problems and promises of the IS are known to only a small portion of the population. You can help make them better known."