From the invention of the printing press, all information technologies have bee n "subjected to various and ingenious forms of control and censorship," said Dr. Alvin M. Schra der, professor of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta.
Visible methods of censorship include materials restriction by governments or l ibraries. Invisible methods include self-censorship by authors, editors, book or music se llers and others.
"Successful self-censorship is largely an illusion, and challenges to material contents is more or less inevitable," Schrader said. Predicting which topics of today may become censored tomorrow is impossible.
Schrader noted "silence is the best censor of all." Many "new" issues such as i ncest have existed for a long time, only discussed openly in the recent past.
Library associations have much experience with censorship issues. Schrader sugg ested groups such as community networks can benefit by working closely with these associatio ns to develop strategies for dealing with censorship issues.
Schrader recommended community networks should develop a national statement on freedom and access, as well as a national statement on due process for handling complaints. Community networks should provide financial and advisory support for networks who are thr eatened by or under litigation on censorship issues.