Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Such A Day

Hello,

At work we can do a screen check to see what people are looking at on the public computers. Oh no, an adult was watching very explicit porn!

I should back up a little to let you know that when people sign in to use these computers they agree to look at only appropriate cites that can be seen by all ages. Most patrons do not bother to read this agreement, but just move right on. Also the public computers are in a very public place where they are visible to anyone who wants to look including our many children users. We at the desk do not see those screens from there, but can access them through the check out computer.

This particular man uses the library frequently and I had never seen him looking at anything inappropriate. The last time I worked a mom came up asking, “Can people look at porn here?” then she proceeded to tell me that he was looking at it. But by the time I got to his computer he was not at that website any longer. So I just let it go.

Yesterday, however, there it was on my screen. I told my boss about it. We were whispering about what to do, when I volunteered to talk to him. “We can see what is on your screen,” I softly told him even though no one else was in the room, “You are not allowed to look at that here.”

Not denying it he said, “I won’t do that anymore.”

“I am sorry, but you will have to leave now,” I said, “but we will try again tomorrow.”

He then logged off the computer and left, giving us his usual leaving remarks.

I was uncomfortable and a little shaky doing this, but my boss tells me I did a good job. Somehow it seems easier to deal with kids with this issue, partly because I do not know how adults will react.


Paula

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