You really get what you pay for. The cheap software just looks for key words, and if they are found block the site. There are many alternative solutions that offer better results.
When I was a child, and when my children were younger, there were "child" and "adult" library cards. Children weren't allowed to check out the same types of books as adults were.
Which is exactly what is being advocated here. Different levels of access for different people. Shoot, even kids can get complete access if their parents OK it.
In the long run, however, the public library is not a babysitting service. Parents shouldn't be leaving children there unattended. If you're worried about your kids accessing porn at the public library, don't let them go there without you, and keep an eye on them while they are there.
Agreed, but public libraries funded by the parents should take some simple precautions to help. I have yet to see a propelling arguement why kids should be freely allowed to view porn in libraries. There isn't one. It should be reasonable to assume a public library is a safe place for kids. But most aren't.
I'd suspect that most school districts and public libraries will end up with "the cheap stuff".
Agreed, but public libraries funded by the parents should take some simple precautions to help.
There's your key: "funded by the parents". If the parents are unhappy with the way the library is being run, they should deny funding until it's brought in line.
I have yet to see a propelling arguement why kids should be freely allowed to view porn in libraries. There isn't one.
I don't know that I've yet seen a compelling argument that kids are being "freely allowed to view porn in libraries". Have you? Do you know, or know of, children who go to the library to view porn?
I'll add that, even though I have software on my computer to ensure the kids only view "kid safe" sites, I don't leave my teenagers unattended on the internet for long periods of time, and I check the history periodically after they've been on the computer.
It should be reasonable to assume a public library is a safe place for kids. But most aren't.
I'm familiar with the public libraries in 7 counties in 3 states. All of them seem to be safe places for children - however, I wouldn't leave my small children unattended in any of them -- or any other public place, for that matter.
It's called "parenting".