Library E-mail Ban Will Soon Be Lifted
Software Allowing E-Mail Access To Be In Place In 60 Days
POSTED: 9:18 a.m. EST November 13, 2002
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Computer users at public libraries can now stay in touch online, after the library board agrees to revise their policy on e-mail.
For years, some library users like Jon Chryk have battled to get e-mail access on computers at Jacksonville Public Libraries.
The library allowed users to explore the Web, but not use them to send or receive e-mail. The policy was set partially to keep Internet users from downloading obscene materials from the Web.
"Every single site I've been on, they've actually been blocking my e-mail," Chryk (pictured, left) told Channel 4 Charmayne Brown last night. "It's been really annoying."
"I'm not sure that public libraries need to offer absolutely every service that might be available," library director Ken Sivulich said. "I think we have to pick and choose."
Chryk led a petition drive to have the library board change its policy, and it worked. The Duval County Library Board has agreed to amend the policy on e-mail access at its libraries. Library officials will install software within 60 days to monitor e-mail access.
"At least we're a little better off than we were," Sivulich said.
But some computer users aren't so sure e-mail access at the library is an improvement.
"That's going to be good, then it's going to be bad," library patron Ron Thorton said. "Because there's going to be a lot of things that could be interacted on e-mail to monitor ... to see if the library is still a place for people to come."
Copyright 2003 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
For years, some library users like Jon Chryk have battled to get e-mail access on computers at Jacksonville Public Libraries.
The library allowed users to explore the Web, but not use them to send or receive e-mail. The policy was set partially to keep Internet users from downloading obscene materials from the Web.
"Every single site I've been on, they've actually been blocking my e-mail," Chryk (pictured, left) told Channel 4 Charmayne Brown last night. "It's been really annoying."
"I'm not sure that public libraries need to offer absolutely every service that might be available," library director Ken Sivulich said. "I think we have to pick and choose."
Chryk led a petition drive to have the library board change its policy, and it worked. The Duval County Library Board has agreed to amend the policy on e-mail access at its libraries. Library officials will install software within 60 days to monitor e-mail access.
"At least we're a little better off than we were," Sivulich said.
But some computer users aren't so sure e-mail access at the library is an improvement.
"That's going to be good, then it's going to be bad," library patron Ron Thorton said. "Because there's going to be a lot of things that could be interacted on e-mail to monitor ... to see if the library is still a place for people to come."Copyright 2003 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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