June 30, 2003

Minnesota Library Association Response to CIPA

The Minnesota Library Association is disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The MLA believes all citizens of Minnesota are entitled to free and open access to information. The flawed filtering technology available to libraries blocks access to a large amount of material that does not fall within CIPA’s prohibitions, and cannot provide complete protection from inappropriate or offensive material. This filtering software underblocks obscene and pornographic sites and there doesn’t “help libraries ensure that no illegal websites will be viewed at a Minnesota library” nor solve the problem CIPA was designed to address. “Filtering is a serious barrier to full access to information, which is at the heart of our mission as libraries and the cornerstone of democracy,” Minneapolis Public Library Director, Kit Hadley.

Minnesota public libraries already have policies and practices in place regarding the use of the internet by minors. These policies were developed locally and reflect community concerns.

Melissa Brechon, President of MLA, said that it is not yet know how many libraries will sacrifice their federal funding, since library boards will need to meet and make local decisions in light of the Supreme Court ruling. Some libraries in Minnesota receive telecommunications discounts (e-rate funding) and federal grants (Library Services and Technology Act funds) but public libraries in the state receive the majority of their revenue from their local taxpayers. With every public library in the state experiencing severe budget cuts to forgo any federal monies would represent a difficult decision in these hard economic times.

MLA will work to educate libraries about this law and about filtering software so that local Library Boards can make informed decisions to whether or not to accept federal funding.

About the Minnesota Library Association

The Minnesota Library Association is an association of library supporters, representing all types of libraries by helping them accomplish together what none can do alone. MLA serves the interests of its members by facilitating educational opportunities, supporting strong ethical standards, providing legislative assistance and fostering connections between the library community and various constituencies.

###