Limited knowledge and informal lobbying: internet regulation through content filters in Swedish public libraries

Veronica Johansson, M. Lindh
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Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe and explore the current state of internet regulation through content filters in Swedish public libraries. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected through an electronic survey directed to library managers of Sweden’s 290 main municipal libraries. 164 answers were returned, yielding a 57% response rate. The analysis comprises descriptive statistics for quantitative data and an activity theory approach with focus on contradictions for qualitative counterparts. Findings In total, 33% of the responding libraries report having content filters; 50% have not; and a surprising 18% do not know. There is a strong correlation between internet misuse and positive attitudes towards filters, and, reversely, between lack of misuse and lack of active stances concerning filters. Rather than seeing this as weakness, the authors suggest that there is strength in a context-bound flexibility open to practical experience and weighting of values, ethics, legislation and local circumstances. More troublesome indications concern the high deferral of decision-making to local authorities (municipalities) whereby libraries are left with limited insight and influence. Research limitations/implications The situation calls for professional organisations to address political mandate questions, and educational programs to strengthen future information professionals’ knowledge of IT in general; filter issues in specific; and local authority decision-making. The study highlights the need of adequate information professional competences and mandates to decide on and oversee internet regulation. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first internationally published study on content filters in Swedish public libraries.
有限的知识和非正式游说:通过瑞典公共图书馆的内容过滤器进行互联网监管
本文的目的是通过瑞典公共图书馆的内容过滤器来描述和探索互联网监管的现状。设计/方法/方法通过对瑞典290个主要市政图书馆的图书馆经理进行电子调查收集数据。共收到164个答案,回复率为57%。分析包括定量数据的描述性统计和定性数据的活动理论方法,重点关注矛盾。总的来说,33%的响应库报告有内容过滤器;50%的人没有;令人惊讶的是,18%的人不知道。互联网滥用与对过滤器的积极态度之间存在很强的相关性,相反,缺乏滥用与缺乏对过滤器的积极态度之间存在很强的相关性。作者并没有将其视为弱点,相反,他们认为,对实践经验和价值观、道德、立法和当地情况的权衡开放的受背景限制的灵活性是有优势的。更麻烦的迹象是,决策高度推迟给地方当局(市政当局),从而使图书馆的洞察力和影响力有限。研究局限/启示这种情况要求专业组织解决政治授权问题,并制定教育计划,以加强未来信息专业人员对信息技术的一般知识;具体的过滤问题;以及地方政府的决策。该研究强调需要足够的信息专业能力和授权来决定和监督互联网监管。原创性/价值据作者所知,这是国际上首次发表的关于瑞典公共图书馆内容过滤器的研究。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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