New Software At BPL To Block Graphic Content On Branch Computers

The Brooklyn Public Library has decided to take a harder stance on what can and cannot be viewed from the computers at their branch locations with Websense, which a representative for the organization calls “a more sophisticated internet filter.”

“This software,” says the BPL, “which is used by other public libraries and allows for compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, enables us to filter graphic content without blocking access to other adult material, in addition to better blocking of websites containing viruses and malicious software. The implementation of this system allows us to better protect our shared public space while also protecting our patrons’ right to access content.”

Websense serves a number of purposes in addition to protecting computers from viruses, says the BPL, including intuitively unblocking sites previously blocked by mistake, providing more consistent accessible content across multiple browsers, and completely blocking adult videos on all computers.

District 44 Councilmember David Greenfield, who along with District 32 Councilmember Eric Ulrich introduced a 2011 bill making it a misdemeanor fineable up to $10,000 to view pornography within 100 feet of a child in a public library, said of the latest development:

This is a great step towards protecting our children and maintaining the safe and welcoming environment that makes our libraries so great. This is an issue that I was personally concerned about as a parent of young children and have heard about from many of my constituents. The new policy balances the need to prevent minors from being subjected to graphic material without censoring library-goers who are using the public computers in an appropriate manner.

So the question for many neighbors remains, what constitutes an “appropriate” manner? Are you happy to hear about the BPL’s use of Websense to fully ban adult videos, or do you think patrons should have the right to access any content they choose? And if you believe restrictions should be set on accessible content, where do you draw the line?