American Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee

The American Library Association (ALA), founded in 1876, is the oldest and largest library association in the world. In the following viewpoint, the ALA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee argues that libraries need to maintain the freedom to provide unfettered Internet access to all patrons. To accomplish this goal, it believes it imperative to avoid using filtering software to block users’ access to pornographic websites. The ALA contends that such software blocks not only material that some people consider “offensive,” but also sites that provide useful information on subjects such as breast cancer, AIDS, women’s rights, and animal rights.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What are the five types of filtering software listed by the ALA?
2. What are some of the problems with filtering...