Last Fall I began the process of de-rusting my car. I sanded and applied the rust-converter before chilly weather prevented me from finishing the job. But now Spring has sprung and I felt inspired to get busy and get 'er done, so here is the final result –

Now for a little primer…

And the black semi-gloss looks…

Great!   I think I like it

   I work in a library tech-center where I assist patrons who want to use the public computers. Because we receive some federal funding, we are required to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) – a piece of legislation designed to protect and educate children on safe internet usage. Among the stipulations of the Act is the requirement that we restrict “access by minors to inappropriate material,” that we utilize “specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access,” and that we “protect against access by adults and minors to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.”

So we use filters to block known pornographic / nudity-oriented sites, and we periodically monitor the computer activity of individual patrons to ensure that they are complying with our library Computer Use Policy (which they must accept before getting online).

Public libraries are generally “anti-censorship” in that they oppose the banning of books or ideas that some consider offensive. Our library takes special note of Banned Books Week each year by featuring some of the more controversial works of past and present. Because of this, some people object to our Internet censorship activities, and they wonder why they can’t come in and look at whatever they want as a “free speech” right.

Well, as most people know, “freedom of speech” is not absolute in every circumstance. The Supreme Court has held that First Amendment protection may be subject to “regulations of the time, place, and manner of expression,” and there are a host of application examples.

I personally have no problem with our filtering of internet nudity / pornography for the same reason that we don’t subscribe to pornographic magazines. In my view, the library is a community-oriented destination where adults and children alike out to be able to engage our services without being exposed to images that are generally agreed to be obscene or offensive by community or legal standards. Who gets to decide on those standards? In some cases, the courts. In other cases it’s simply the management of the facility (such as a library or school).

The bottom line for me is that when you come to the public library, you are using computers that don’t belong to you (at no charge). If you want to view porn, buy your own computer and get your own internet connection. No one is obligated to finance or facilitate your particular viewing pleasure.   

I’m glad for freedom of speech. I’m also glad for sensible restrictions. No nation on earth has ever survived after abandoning all standards in favor of a “free-for-all” mentality. Some common glue (common sense?) must hold a people together, and to the extent that that common glue is peeled away a nation begins to fall apart.       

   So I started a new job at the local library, working in the Tech Center as part of the IT department. That’s kind of surprising since I don’t have a strong background in computers or technology, just a general knowledge of how to use common applications like MS Word or Publisher, and how to surf the Internet, send emails, etc.  But I told them that in the interview and they hired me anyway, making me the least tech-savvy employee in the department.

The Tech Center holds twenty-six computers for public use, giving them access to the Internet as well as a half-dozen common software programs. We also maintain four computers in the Teen section, several more in Children’s, and a number of free-standing “express” kiosks that allow fifteen-minute access for those who just want to quickly check email or whatever.

In this first month I’ve learned how to check and update patron information; how to reserve a computer for a patron; how to make a guest pass; how to expedite patron print jobs and charge them the appropriate amount; how to identify patrons who use someone else’s library card (not allowed); how to monitor patron computers and identify inappropriate images/chatting (also not allowed);and how to open and close the center. I’ve also helped quite a few people with their computer questions and broken up a near fistfight.

At this point, so far so good.

However, I am finding that I don’t have quite the same enthusiasm for work that I used to exhibit. I don’t mind going in and doing a good job, but my thoughts are sometimes elsewhere. I find myself thinking about the people and situations I’ve encountered during my six-year work hiatus, when I was available almost anytime to lend a hand, give a ride, volunteer, or visit for a couple of hours. I was connecting with people (and their needs) on a regular basis. I really enjoyed that.

Now I find myself rushed to get weekly chores done and dinner cooked before work. When I get home I have less energy for phone calls or visits. I’m not as available anymore – like when my temporarily wheelchair-bound friend wanted me to accompany him to the Mall so he could get his Christmas shopping done. I couldn’t, and I don’t know if he found anyone else.

What this all means, I don’t know. I’ll just have to adjust and adapt. After all, everyone has to work, right? I suppose that, like everything else, with time and prayer God will work circumstances out for my good, and His. I am thankful to have a steady income once more, even if it comes at a price.