Filtering Facts Claims "Pornography Abuse" at Libraries

Staff -- Library Journal, 3/8/1999

David Burt's organization Filtering Facts has released "Dangerous Access," a report which claims "503 documented cases of pornography abuse in libraries." Timed to support federal bills that would tie Internet filtering to telecommunications discounts, Burt released the report at a press conference March 2 with Rep. Bob Franks (R-NJ), and several conservative organizations. The initial response from two librarians on listservs: 503 problems represent a minor issue -- one-fourth of one percent of one library's Internet use -- and kids "sneaking a peak at some porn" is a much smaller problem than cracking down on the more widespread issue of child abuse. Burt and his researchers, including activists tied to Family Friendly Libraries, cited library incident reports, news accounts, and librarian discussion lists as sources. The term "pornography abuse" seems overstated, since at least half the incidents regard "Adults Accessing Pornography," other incidents are vaguely reported, and "pornography" remains a nebulous, catch-all term. But the report, especially some incidents within the categories "Children Accessing Pornography" and "Adults Exposing Children to Pornography" should serve as fodder for filtering supporters.