Sultan library installs privacy booths
Published 9:00 pm Friday, August 31, 2001
By Leslie Moriarty
Herald Writer
SULTAN — Booths are being set up at the library here to give patrons more privacy.
But some library users don’t want it.
They say kids will only use the new computer desks to hide as they look at pornography.
But Sno-Isle Regional Library System spokeswoman Mary Kelly said individuals who use computers for Internet access may need privacy for many reasons.
"If someone is looking up a medical concern, they don’t want their neighbors walking by knowing that they have a medical problem," she said.
"Or someone may be looking for job opportunities and needs to keep that private."
The other reason for using recessed computer screens is to protect those who are walking past, Kelly said.
"A parent might be walking past with a child who is too young or sensitive to view some things," she said. "The recessed desks keep people from seeing some things they may not want to see."
The desks are planned for all Sno-Isle libraries except Mukilteo and Edmonds, where library staff have decided they aren’t needed. They cost about the same as a typical computer desk, around $700.
"If we put them in a library as it is being built and furnished, it’s less expensive than trying to retrofit them later, however," Kelly said.
None of that really makes any sense to Dierdre Kroener of Index, who recently visited the Sultan library.
"I consider the desks to be private viewing booths where anyone can go and look at pornography," she said. "Even kids."
Kelly said at the current time anyone can have unlimited access on the Internet at the computers at the recessed terminals.
The board has adopted a policy that restricts unfiltered Internet access to those age 18 and older.
But that policy won’t go into effect until later this year. The policy is being fine-tuned and is expected to get final approval next month. Then a computer program will need to be written to recognize the age of the library card user, to know whether that patron gets filtered or unfiltered Internet access.
Younger patrons can get a waiver with a parent or guardian’s signature.
Kroener isn’t happy with the board’s decision to allow unfiltered access.
"My real issue is that it shouldn’t be in the library at all," she said.
Sno-Isle is an organization of libraries in Snohomish and Island counties governed by an appointed board of directors. Everett has its own system.
You can call Herald Writer Leslie Moriarty at 425-339-3436
or send e-mail to moriarty@heraldnet.com.
