A suburban library is altering its computer procedures while it reviews a controversial policy that allows adult patrons to view pornography.
The Orland Park Public Library will now check identification of anyone accessing computers in the adult section, said library spokeswoman Bridget Bittman. Before the new measure, users could sign onto the 18-years-and-older computers with only their library card information.
The library hasn't changed its policy that allows adults access to any legal material, including pornography.
The new measure was put in place after the library's policy came under fire last month at a board meeting, when two patrons confronted officials about the Internet policy. One of the patrons later posted a video of the meeting online that has been viewed by thousands.
The library board at a special budgetary session last week reiterated its stance behind its computer policy, which it says upholds First Amendment rights to free speech. The library is still reviewing its policies, Bittman said.
"I believe they realize that if something is going to be changed, they should do it in short order rather than over a period of time," Bittman said.
At the contentious Oct. 21 board meeting in Orland Park, patrons complained that the library's Internet policies weren't in line with those of public libraries in surrounding communities.
The Tribune reported last week that there is no consensus among Chicago-area libraries on Internet policy. Public libraries in nearby Mokena, Tinley Park, Frankfort and Lockport forbid viewing pornography on library computers. Libraries in Arlington Heights, Evanston and the Chicago Public Library have Internet policies similar to those in Orland Park.
"One of the more difficult things ... is when you talk to people about filtering and pornography in libraries and you try to explain to them that porn is legally protected speech," said Emily Knox, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois Graduate School of Library and Information Science. ..Continued.. by Taylor W. Anderson
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