1. Intellectual Freedom: Internet Censorship By Carolyne Begin, Jessica Gorton, Jaki King, Amber Strangstalien.

2. Our Ethical Dilemma Kioskia Public Library and Internet filtering

3. Getting the facts straight  Two Kioskia librarians attempted to watch a Pearl Jam event on the internet during their break.  They were alarmed to discover that the band’s political lyrics had been muted out.  Dismayed, librarian John researched the issue and found that the same media company who owns the telecast were also the libraries digital phone and internet provider.  John considers this “overt censorship” and the library director agrees to make a case to the city board for a changing internet providers.

4. Our Moral Dilemma  As a professional librarian, John was disconcerted to witness censorship of online material.  Intellectual freedom guarantees access to information regardless of the interests of private companies.

5. Each Sides of the Dilemma Patron’s point of view  Access to information is important, as stated in the ALA code of ethics (respect for intellectual property)  The content being censored is not offensive. (nonmaleficence)  A public library may be the patron’s only internet access and should not be restricted. (respect for privacy) Internet Service Provider’s point of view  They have different political views and disagree with the statements presented in the online content. (individual morality)  The provide the service and they feel they should decide what people use it for. (conservation of power)  They may fear offending clients and losing business by allowing all internet content. (Fear)

6. Testing Our Solution  In accordance with ALA’s Bill of Rights and Code of ethics we determined that the internet provider is misaligned with our standards.  Beginning in November, the Preserving the Open Internet law will take place which states, “fixed broadband providers may not block lawful content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices” (Federal Communications Commission, p. 1).  We feel that as a Public Library we should be committed to “facilitate access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity” Canadian Library Association, “Statement on Intellectual Freedom.” http://www.cla.ca/Content/NavigationMenu/Resour ces/PositionStatements/Statement_on_Intell.htm (accessed September 30, 2011). http://www.cla.ca/Content/NavigationMenu/Resour ces/PositionStatements/Statement_on_Intell.htm

7. References http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=library+in+fall&vie w=detail&id=312E15CE863DA871AD04CDD3F78D52473BC 9BDCD&first=0&FORM=IDFRIR http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=political+censorsh ip&view=detail&id=9E2BF31E7CBE6AB4BE6D33B8CFA04C 19CC636693&first=0 First Image: Second Image: All images retrieved October 17, 2011.