Heavy-handed legislation

Last Sunday, The Shifted Librarian posted an e-mail she received from the Orland Park Public Library about the latest attempt to pass legislation intended to protect not only children, but also adults from unsavory Internet content. House Bill 1727 would mandate that all Internet computers in public libraries and public schools be filtered. The passage of this bill would affect us too, since it is not restricted to libraries that receive e-rate funding for Internet access. But life would change even in libraries that already have filters installed. For example, librarians could be subject to lawsuits filed by users who differ in their definition of offensiveness. At least the latest amendment removes the bit about librarians being required to sign annual perjury oaths. The momentum is building, with the bill now on the Calendar for short debate. The Illinois Library Association is all over this, providing information about the bill, talking points to help folks understand why the bill is such a bad idea, and contact information for legislators.

If this bill passes, I cannot begin to fathom the costs -- in both dollars and person-hours -- required for implementation at Uni. Even worse to contemplate is the way life would be post H.B. 1727. I think I'd have to quit and go get a job at the post office instead.