Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
List of Figures
Chapter One – Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Chapter Two – Framing the Question: A Review of the Relevant Literature
Internet Use in Schools
School Media Centers
The Digital Divide
Filtering Technology
How Filters Work
First Amendment Issues
Intellectual Freedom in Libraries
Where is the Harm?
Summary of Literature Review
Research Questions
Chapter Three – Methodology
Rationale for Qualitative Methodology
Site Selection
Participant Selection
Role of the Researcher
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Trustworthiness
Prolonged Engagement
Triangulation
Referential Adequacy
Reflexive Journal
Limitations
Significance (Implications for Leadership)
Chapter Four – Internet Searching at Lakeside High
A Tale from the Field: Julie and the MPAA
Findings
Class Profiles
Rhetoric Class
Basic Composition Class
Central Issues for Filtered Internet Use
Overblocking
Underblocking
Getting Around the Filter
How Students Feel About Blocking
Overall Assessment of the Filter
Alternate Solutions
Answers to Research Questions
Nature of Internet Use
What is the Nature of Internet use for Term Paper Research?
Who are the Actors?
What is the Setting?
What are the Activities?
To what Extent is there a Digital Divide in the School?
Evaluation of Internet Use with Filters
What Sorts of Barriers to Legitimate Information Exist with Filtered Computers?
How do Students Overcome these Barriers?
To What Extent do Outside Influences Reach into The Day-to-Day Library Research of Students?
Intellectual Freedom Issues
To what Extent does Filtering Infringe on Students’ First Amendment Rights?
Do Inadvertent Contacts with Controversial Material Harm Students?
Chapter Five – Implications and Suggestions for Further Research
Summary of Findings
Implications for Policy and Practice
Guidelines for Decision Making
Prospects for Generalizability
Suggestions for Further Research
Conclusions
Appendix A – Recruitment Script
Appendix B – Guidelines for Student E-mail Assignment of Internet Search Experiences
Appendix C – Protocol for Focus Group Interviews with Students
Appendix D – Interview Protocol for Teachers
Appendix E – Interview Protocol for Librarians/Media Specialists
Appendix F – Interview Protocol for Technology Director
Appendix G – Data Sources
Appendix H – Profile of Bess Filter
References
Index
