HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1998.02.17BURLINGAME, CALIX'ORNIA
City CounciUlibrary Board Joint Meeting
February 17,1998
Call to Order
A duly noticed Special Joint Meeting of the Burlingame City Council and the Burlingame Library
Board was held on the above date in the Library's Lane Community Room. The meeting was called to
order at 4:30 p.m. by Board Chairman Berger. The chairman explained the meeting is to review with
the city council the library's Internet Policy. He noted in the thousands of hours of computer use at the
library there have only been two instances of reported misuse by patrons. He asked that public
comments be limited to no more than five minutes. There were numerous handouts available at the
back of the room.
Fublic Comments
Susan Rodgers, resident, thought we need to do everything we can to protect the kids; library controls
what it puts on the shelf but with the Internet there is no control; library has a responsibility; there is no
control over what the children can see; she was very concerned. Harriet Kumetat, Hillsborough, hated
to see any form of censorship; parents are responsible, not the library. Dorothy Cusick, former council
member, said parents trust the library as a safe place for their children, the library needs to protect
children. Patti Bergsing, former Librarian, supported the present Intemet policy; it's well thought out.
Ro Spinelli, resident, said she spends lots of time on the Internet and there are lots of problems; she
objected to chat rooms; unless you spend time on the Internet, you can'trealize what is available. Two
representatives of schools spoke and Debbie Grewell, BIS, said she had observed students accessing
sites which she thought they should not be using; kids are savvy and can find ways to access these sites"
Council/Board Discussion
Mayor Spinelli gave avisual presentation; showed how easily a kid could access objectionable sites; he
objected to e-mail, chat rooms and newsgroups being available to kids - although the library originally
blocked these sites, they are now available from various webpages; there are filtering software that can
be disabled by the librarian to allow a person access and many filters have passwords to bypass; he
would like the children's room computer to have a filter. Board members objected to the presentation
continuing if any pornographic sites are shown at a public meeting; they wondered why the mayor did
not attend a library board rreeting during the past year to discuss with the board; this issue has been on
board agendas for over ayear and the policy has been in effect for a year. Councilwoman Knight told
of a paper the mayor had presented to council last year; she wished it were available at this meeting;
she was concerned that public was not aware of the board's discussions of this important issue; was
still not convinced that the children's room computer should not have a filter. Trustee Cannon said the
board has been discussing this issue for over ayear; they are also very concerned and do not take it
lightly; a special home page for the children's room computer has been developed which will
proactively lead children to best sites. Councilwoman O'Mahony noted her support of the present
Internet policy; this policy was also reviewed at several public council meetings last year. Councilman
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Library Board Trustees Present: Berger, Cannon, Dunbar, Herman, Morton
City Council Members Present: Galligan, Janney, Knight, O'Mahony, Spinelli
Galligan thought it was important to always get public input; he wanted the board to feel comfortable
with their decision but we also need to listen to the community; he spoke to an attorney who said
filtering could cause first amendment problems, but we can be more restrictive with kids' access; part
of the problem is using public money to pay for the computer and filtering devices; he suggested the
Library Foundation might donate a computer to the children's room with condition that it be filtered to
get around this issue. Councilwoman Knight said the San Bruno library filters its Internet use. Board
members noted San Bruno only has one computer which is used by children and adults. Vice Mayor
Janney asked if the schools used blocking software and what percentage of libraries use such software;
board responded a very small percentage; Councilwoman Knight commented that did not mean we
should avoid such software; Burlingame is unique. Board members also noted such soltware gives a
false sense of security to parents; there are many ways to get around such blocks. The library board
noted that it would continue to review the Internet policy on a regular basis. Council members thanked
the board for meeting with them.
Adjournment
Mayor Spinelli adjourned the council portion of the meeting at 6:08 p.m. and the library board
continued with its regular meeting.
A
Judith A. Malfatti
City Clerk
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