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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

Computer users at public libraries can now stay in touch online, after the library board agrees to revise their policy on e-mail.

Jon Chryk at libraryFor 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."

Library e-mail"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."

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