Future Impact on Libraries & Information Centers
Network Neutrality advocates cite intellectual freedom and freedom of expression as reasons to lobby for a neutral Internet. Libraries and their associates advocate intellectual freedom and freedom of expression as fundamental human rights that are “critical to our democracy” (ALA). Network neutrality is as critical to the survival of our libraries and information centers as the fundamental rights they support are to our democracy. The non-discriminatory nature of network neutrality is closely aligned with the democratic nature of libraries. The absence of network neutrality could have major negative impacts on libraries (Guindon, 2010). A discriminatory Internet both opposes the ALA’s ‘Core Values of Librarianship’ and essentially disables the functions of, as well as services provided by, libraries.
Web-based technologies play an integral role in the daily operations of libraries and information centers. Libraries and other such institutions increasingly utilize web-based software and systems for in-house administrative functions, communication, outreach, programming, research and the general dissemination of information. Libraries create web content via websites and blogs, as well as participate in a plethora of social networks, all of which benefit their patrons. Moreover, libraries collaborate with other often non-profit organizations in efforts to enhance the developmental, creative or educational experiences of those within their communities. A non-neutral Internet would either inhibit or halt these essential library functions.
Libraries depend on an equitable, open-access Internet to provide venues for access to patron accounts, audio e-books, databases, digital libraries, e-books, magazines, research tools and more. More often, publications and services are available only in a “digital format on the open Internet” (Riccard, 2010). Also, libraries and information centers provide patrons with in-house access to the Internet, which is ever more necessary as technology progresses. Indeed “the Internet has become an essential public utility, as important [as], if not more so, than traditional utilities like the telephone, or media as television or radio” (Guindon, 2010). Libraries provide direct access so that patrons may effectively carry out necessary activities—applying for employment, banking activities, connecting with family and friends, research and seeking housing are selective examples.
A lack of network neutral legislation could potentially cripple libraries’ and like institutions’ abilities to perform their daily functions, as well as provide access for others to do the same. If network neutral legislation fails, then libraries will be forced into a “‘pay to play’ environment” (Riccard, 2010). Libraries unable to “pay” will be rendered unable to “play,” thus disrupting—perhaps eliminating—the dissemination of information, among other activities. If a tiered Internet succeeds, then libraries are in danger of becoming a “have-not,” therefore falling into the gap of the digital divide that they strive to help close. Requiring libraries and related institutions to pay more for quality of service or relegating them to bottom-tier “lanes” would directly impact the quality of their long-provided services.
Imagine a world in which public, special and academic libraries alike could not create or provide reliable web-based resources and Internet access for their patrons. Take, for example, the student conducting research, the patient learning of a diagnosis or the parent searching for information on early-childhood development. Without equitable access, libraries are unable to provide current information. Furthermore, a lack of an equitable, open-access avenue to information stunts cultural diversity, diversity of thought, innovation and the free-flow of information (Guindon, 2010). If Internet Service Providers (ISPs) gain control over how individuals and institutions access, contribute to or disseminate information, then they infringe on copyright and the right to privacy, as well as become de facto censors (Guindon, 2010). If public institutions are not able to maintain equitable access to current information, receive the broadband services required for daily operations and are not able to contribute to or create resources, then they are not able to fulfill their missions and uphold their values.
Web-based technologies play an integral role in the daily operations of libraries and information centers. Libraries and other such institutions increasingly utilize web-based software and systems for in-house administrative functions, communication, outreach, programming, research and the general dissemination of information. Libraries create web content via websites and blogs, as well as participate in a plethora of social networks, all of which benefit their patrons. Moreover, libraries collaborate with other often non-profit organizations in efforts to enhance the developmental, creative or educational experiences of those within their communities. A non-neutral Internet would either inhibit or halt these essential library functions.
Libraries depend on an equitable, open-access Internet to provide venues for access to patron accounts, audio e-books, databases, digital libraries, e-books, magazines, research tools and more. More often, publications and services are available only in a “digital format on the open Internet” (Riccard, 2010). Also, libraries and information centers provide patrons with in-house access to the Internet, which is ever more necessary as technology progresses. Indeed “the Internet has become an essential public utility, as important [as], if not more so, than traditional utilities like the telephone, or media as television or radio” (Guindon, 2010). Libraries provide direct access so that patrons may effectively carry out necessary activities—applying for employment, banking activities, connecting with family and friends, research and seeking housing are selective examples.
A lack of network neutral legislation could potentially cripple libraries’ and like institutions’ abilities to perform their daily functions, as well as provide access for others to do the same. If network neutral legislation fails, then libraries will be forced into a “‘pay to play’ environment” (Riccard, 2010). Libraries unable to “pay” will be rendered unable to “play,” thus disrupting—perhaps eliminating—the dissemination of information, among other activities. If a tiered Internet succeeds, then libraries are in danger of becoming a “have-not,” therefore falling into the gap of the digital divide that they strive to help close. Requiring libraries and related institutions to pay more for quality of service or relegating them to bottom-tier “lanes” would directly impact the quality of their long-provided services.
Imagine a world in which public, special and academic libraries alike could not create or provide reliable web-based resources and Internet access for their patrons. Take, for example, the student conducting research, the patient learning of a diagnosis or the parent searching for information on early-childhood development. Without equitable access, libraries are unable to provide current information. Furthermore, a lack of an equitable, open-access avenue to information stunts cultural diversity, diversity of thought, innovation and the free-flow of information (Guindon, 2010). If Internet Service Providers (ISPs) gain control over how individuals and institutions access, contribute to or disseminate information, then they infringe on copyright and the right to privacy, as well as become de facto censors (Guindon, 2010). If public institutions are not able to maintain equitable access to current information, receive the broadband services required for daily operations and are not able to contribute to or create resources, then they are not able to fulfill their missions and uphold their values.