contact: larra clark
ala press officer
312-280-5043
for immediate release
november 24, 2003
ala releases new
internet tools, information for libraries
this week the american library association (ala) has added several new or
updated resources online to assist libraries making decisions about internet
filtering in response to requirements of the children's internet protection act
(cipa)
resources now available at www.ala.org/cipa include:
- sample request for
information (rfi) questions: ala's e-rate task force has prepared a list of
questions that libraries may find useful to include in the requests for
information they send to vendors of filters or other technology designed to
meet cipa requirements. the ala will continue to refine this document as we
receive feedback from the library community. comments or feedback can be sent
to kmitchell@alawash.org with the subject
field indicating "draft rfi."
- total cost of ownership worksheets: the e-rate task force also has
prepared several excel spreadsheets to help library administrators capture,
understand and compare the overall costs of filtering. there is a tool to
compare the costs of filtering to the benefits of e-rate discounts, a
populated sample spreadsheet to serve as an example and a tool to compare
costs from different vendors. these documents also may be refined over time
based on user feedback. please send comments or feedback to kmitchell@alawash.org with the subject
field indicating "toc spreadsheets."
- an updated fact sheet compiling research and data regarding internet use
in libraries and a cost comparison of filters used in libraries.
- a timeline of important e-rate dates for funding year 2003.
- a new cipa q&a related to lsta funding (click q&a at the top of
the cipa page)
an
updated version of the popular "libraries & the internet toolkit" will be
available online in mid-december.
"the ala is
committed to providing practical, real-life assistance to our members, as well
as developing best practices and ideals for the profession," said ala president
carla hayden. "the ala continues to oppose the use of filters that block
access to constitutionally protected speech, but we support librarians' efforts
to make informed decisions that minimize restrictions on access to legal and
useful information online in light of cipa."
for the
more current information from the ala regarding internet use in libraries,
please visit www.ala.org/cipa.
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