We want to make you aware of current challenges to certain electronic resources. A lawsuit in Colorado has drawn attention to the content in electronic databases available through libraries. After a parent challenged the databases in UT, the Utah Education and Telehealth Network (UETN) temporarily shut off access to the EBSCO databases for all K-12 Utah students pending investigation, and on 10/19, they voted unanimously to restore access to all K-12 students. Misinformation is raising questions about databases beyond the scope of the Colorado lawsuit or UT challenge, including in Indiana.
Yesterday, we received word that Indiana public school superintendents received a letter (10/22/2018) from an Indiana-based advocacy group, claiming INSPIRE is “pandering obscenity to minors.” The letter included excerpts from certain searches.
Please see the document explaining EBSCO challenges. We want you to be aware of the issue so that you are not caught off guard with questions. We encourage all members to remain calm, fact-based and professional in responses and any electronic communications or posts.
We aim to keep you informed; please do not hesitate to contact me directly. We also have member leaders who can talk you through questions or challenges. You might also check our Tips documents.
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