The Library Commission conducted its most recent meeting in its new and improved computer training lab, taking advantage of an opportunity to show off some of its most recent high-tech acquisitions.

A total of 11 computers are now in the downstairs room for students, along with a separate station for the instructor. The additional equipment has enabled the library to expand the size of its classes.

Computer classes have been full the entire summer, with lengthy waiting lists in some instances. Classes are available in basic computer use, specific programs and applications, and the Internet.

The library has been sharing City Hall's projector for classes, but staff reported that the library will soon need its own, as time restraints make sharing the projector unfeasible. Acquiring a separate projector, which could cost several thousand dollars, will be discussed at the Library Commission's December meeting.

Internet use is way up from earlier this year at the library, staff reported last week, due to the increase in online stations available. A total of 542 people signed up for Internet use in January, but signups for each of the past three months have exceeded 800, and the computers are nearly always filled up at night.

Another relatively new feature — book renewals by telephone — also is on the rise, according to staff. This is expected to continue to increase with the advent of the new Web-based card catalog system.

A parent recently submitted a written complaint concerning the lack of Internet filters on the computers, allowing underage users to potentially access inappropriate sites.

Library technology director Jill Kuhns pointed out that the most up-to-date surveys indicate only 2 percent of all Web sites are considered offensive, but filtering software would weed out about 30 percent of sites. She said that many filtering programs often identify words that are sometimes but not always offensive, such as “breast,” thereby also eliminating access to sites where the word has a legitimate scholarly use.

Commission chairman Marie Washburn said that the library's policy concerning Internet use, which includes a signed disclaimer by each patron, is satisfactory and will stand the test of time. She added that the ultimate responsibility for children's potential exposure to the Internet lies with the parents themselves.

As a final word on the subject, Kuhns reported that the Chicago library installed filtering devices on its computers — which filtered out the library's own Web site.

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