National Library Rejects Internet Claims

The National Library of New Zealand has rejected claims by Winston Peters MP that the Library’s free internet service is being abused by a large number of users.

Alison Elliott, Director of Collection Services at the Library, said:

“Let there be no doubt – the Library doesn’t tolerate clients abusing our internet service.

“The Library provides free internet access in the reference area for the purposes of reference and research only. The internet access is supervised by reference staff. This is standard practice in libraries around the world.

“We decided, when we introduced the service earlier this year, not to block access to any internet sites, because legitimate reference and research can be hampered.

“There have been a limited number of instances where users have accessed inappropriate sites. Staff advised clients immediately that this wasn’t acceptable. If it persisted, they were asked to leave the Library. This is our policy at all times.

“However, this issue is not a significant problem and the vast majority of our customers use the internet service for legitimate reference and research.”

ENDS

For further information contact:

Julia Napier
Manager, Corporate Communications,
National Library of New Zealand
Phone 04-474 3101
Mobile 025 323 423

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