The conference had two main themes: offensive and harmful internet content and problems faced by libraries in small cultural and linguistic communities in helping citizens using the internet.

Offensive and harmful content is a minor but painful problem for libraries. Librarians wanted to know if there are special ways for them to slow down the trend and assist children and youth in orientating themselves in this media environment. Both technical and educational means were discussed.

Awareness and an open mind seemed to be the prevalent answer. As in several previous conferences, local decision making was recommended. Filtering and blocking programs in library environments were debated a lot: their use in libraries is more controversial than in schools. Libraries are open to all age-groups and represent unrestricted information access.

In 2003, Danish professor Niels Ole Pors made a concrete study on filtering and blocking programs together with Mr. Haakon Lund. The best filtering and blocking programs proved to work as promised. However, software quality varied hugely and should be tested continuously.

Professor Pors did not consider filtering and blocking programs to directly harm free information access. Libraries have always filtered their material anyway and these programs are ways of doing the same in a digital environment. Restricted access to heavy porn and violence in libraries is normal and accepted by most citizens. He also mentioned that his opinions are not necessarily cherished by all his Danish colleagues.

Good software can help but not entirely solve the problem. Media education where libraries can work in co-operation with schools, parents and other interested parties is very important. Mrs. Anne Taylor presented a very good example from Canada where the Media Awareness Network (MNet, www.media-awareness.ca) has operated successfully since 1996. The MNet attitude is critical but non-moralising. Its work is based on studies on web/media behaviour of children and youth in order to keep contact with a changing reality.

The second topic, how libraries should tackle cultural and linguistic diversity on the internet counterbalanced the issue of harmful content. In countries with 11 official languages, where three different alphabets are used or where internet access is not available in most rural areas, libraries face large-scale problems. Examples were presented heard from South Africa and Georgia.

The conference generated a lot of thoughts among the audience, and discussions seemed to continue long after the official program.

Tuula Haavisto, conference organiser