The Library

Commission conducted its most recent meeting in its new

and improved computer training lab, taking advantage of

an opportunity to show off some of its most recent

high-tech acquisitions.

A total of

11 computers are now in the downstairs room for students,

along with a separate station for the instructor. The

additional equipment has enabled the library to expand

the size of its classes.

Computer

classes have been full the entire summer, with lengthy

waiting lists in some instances. Classes are available in

basic computer use, specific programs and applications,

and the Internet.

The library

has been sharing City Hall's projector for classes, but

staff reported that the library will soon need its own,

as time restraints make sharing the projector unfeasible.

Acquiring a separate projector, which could cost several

thousand dollars, will be discussed at the Library

Commission's December meeting.

Internet

use is way up from earlier this year at the library,

staff reported last week, due to the increase in online

stations available. A total of 542 people signed up for

Internet use in January, but signups for each of the past

three months have exceeded 800, and the computers are

nearly always filled up at night.

Another

relatively new feature - book renewals by telephone

- also is on the rise, according to staff. This is

expected to continue to increase with the advent of the

new Web-based card catalog system.

A parent

recently submitted a written complaint concerning the

lack of Internet filters on the computers, allowing

underage users to potentially access inappropriate sites.

Library

technology director Jill Kuhns pointed out that the most

up-to-date surveys indicate only 2 percent of all Web

sites are considered offensive, but filtering software

would weed out about 30 percent of sites. She said that

many filtering programs often identify words that are

sometimes but not always offensive, such as

"breast," thereby also eliminating access to

sites where the word has a legitimate scholarly use.

Commission

chairman Marie Washburn said that the library's policy

concerning Internet use, which includes a signed

disclaimer by each patron, is satisfactory and will stand

the test of time. She added that the ultimate

responsibility for children's potential exposure to the

Internet lies with the parents themselves.

As a final

word on the subject, Kuhns reported that the Chicago

library installed filtering devices on its computers

- which filtered out the library's own Web site.