A new Mississippi law severely restricts access to digital library resources like Hoopla and Overdrive for those under 18. The law requires vendors to ensure all materials comply with a broad definition of obscenity that effectively bans any depiction of sexual reproduction or queerness. This has forced libraries to shut down digital access for minors or risk fines, locking out youth from educational resources. The law disproportionately impacts those from disadvantaged backgrounds who rely most on public libraries. Mississippi joins other states like Texas in passing legislation that places the burden of compliance on vendors, resulting in widespread loss of access to materials for students.

  • StringTheory@beehaw.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    When libraries were first being forced to take books off the shelves, libraries in the free states started giving ebook access to students living all across the country. Now the red states are going to cut off ebook access, too?