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Many Libraries Will Skip Grants To Avoid Using Net Filters
from the well,-that's-useful dept
Following yesterday's Supreme Court ruling that it's perfectly okay for the government to require filters in order to receive federal grant money, many libraries are now saying they're going to avoid federal grant money so that they can continue to offer open internet access to their patrons. So, basically, the net effect of this law is going to be that libraries that value open access to information will have less money to keep the public informed.
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I see a positive to this too. Maybe libraries will start to realize they don't *need* the Feds, and can then operate more independently answering to local governments. Where in the Constitution does the Federal Govt get the authority to control local libraries anyway?
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> Where in the Constitution does the Federal Govt get the authority to control local libraries anyway?< br>
It doesn't... the thing to remember is that, while the constitution can be effectivly circumvented by controlling the purse-strings of organizations who's business model is book return late fees.
Of course, if Bill Gates decided to provide replacment grants to any library that refused a government grant because of censuring legislation, I believe an effective lesson in the economics of purse-string control could be taught to the government.
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Why...
Why do libraries provide internet access at all? Do people really believe we can't live without the internet?
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Re: Why...
>Do people really believe we can't live without the internet?< br>
Uh, yes... The Internet is my generation's significant contribution to the world and while it may seem like a frivolous luxury, I can assure you that in 20 years, living without the internet will be like living without indoor plumbing.
Personally, I'm 20 years ahead of the curve.
All the money currently being spent on libraries would be far better spent sorting out the media industry so that the incrediably stupid laws that currently pass as "Intellectual Property Protection" can be reformed into something useable by the vast majority of current and future internet users.
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