<div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Ohio
Techies</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">I
have been reading this list for many many years, but until today, have never
posted. (<i>I know there is a derogatory name for folks like me.</i>) Notwithstanding,
I felt compelled to offer some personal and professional opinions
regarding Governor Mike DeWine's recent <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiqz4bVoNb8AhWKMjQIHRcfDU0QFnoECAMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FOHIOGOVERNOR%2F2023%2F01%2F09%2Ffile_attachments%2F2373098%2FSigned%2520Executive%2520Order%25202023-03D.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1IZiPQHrDRst2mVaf87C-7"><span style="color:blue">executive order 2023-03D</span></a> (1/8/23) </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">I realize
there are a variety of opinions on this matter; many, I'm sure, I
have not personally thought of or ever considered. I am not offering mine
here as immovable, but as one man's perspective to toss into the fray. Most
who may take the time to read this missive are not in the position to set
policies for their libraries, but are surely in positions to influence decision
making to some degree.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">On
Sunday (1/8/2023) Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2023-03D banning
all Chinese Social Media use on State of Ohio equipment. The prohibition
covered certain applications, platforms, and websites on State-Owned and
State-Leased Devices. It was immediately questioned if this order included
library owned equipment that is used by both library staff and the public. <br>
<br>
The order states: <i>All State agencies, boards, and commissions shall
prohibit the following on any state owned or state-leased device capable of
accessing the internet: (i) the download and/or use of any social media
application, channel, and platform that is owned by an entity located in China
and (ii) accessing the website of any social media application, channel, and
platform that is owned by an entity located in China.</i><br>
<br>
I personally took the initiative to initiate the necessary measures so the
libraries that I serve could comply with this executive order, if they so
choose, through our electronic policy management system. Of course, each
library system always decides on their own level of protection.<br>
<br>
Both Don Yarman, executive director of OPLIN, and the Ohio Library Council
(OLC) have publicly expressed their opinion that Public Libraries in Ohio are
exempt from compliance with Executive Order 2023-03D (1/8/23). Of course,
both are far more qualified to answer the question of compulsory compliance
than I am. Here is my personal and professional opinion as to why I
believe it is prudent to heed, and voluntarily comply with the order. <br>
<br>
Executive Order 2023-03D (1/8/23)<br>
<br>
While it may yet to be argued if Public Libraries will eventually be required
by law to comply with this executive order, or if libraries could be held
liable for failure to comply, notwithstanding the order was implemented to
provide both a stance of practical leadership and a broad measure of safety
from foreign exploitation for Ohio citizens. Ohio libraries are certainly one
of the best ways to support that goal; I'm sure public libraries must have been
considered strong allies when making the order. <br>
<br>
Some points to consider:<br>
<br>
</span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Voluntary
compliance sends the public message that libraries continue to practice sound
and safe stewardship of State resources. Proactive protection from foreign
exploitation is a value libraries share with the Governor. Therefore, even if
not mandatory, compliance by public libraries is an example of positive
leadership in safe cyber practices and demonstrates how Ohioans work together
for the good of Ohioans. <br>
<br>
</span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Even
if public libraries are not technically State Agencies, <u>The State Library of
Ohio</u> is, and so absolutely covered by this order. Public libraries
generally follow their leadership in practice and policy, especially in the
area of public safety. If it is prudent for public libraries to continue practicing
something that the State Library is forbidden to practice is a question every
librarian should ask themselves.<br>
<br>
</span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">The
ISP for Ohio Public Libraries (OPLIN) is also a state agency and so is included
in this order. The order states “All State agencies, boards, and commissions
shall prohibit the following on any state owned or state-leased device capable
of accessing the internet…” When Public libraries access internet sites that
are included in this ban, they do so through equipment owned wholly by the
State of Ohio.<br>
<br>
</span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Public
library employees are considered State employees for the purpose of certain
benefits and protections. One of the protections for state employees is this proactive
protection from foreign exploitation.<br>
<br>
</span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">All
public libraries in Ohio exist primarily on State funds, some rely entirely on
state funds. The spirit of this order, if not the letter, is focused on
protecting Ohioans by wielding the tool of state funds towards protecting, and
not harming Ohioans. As recipients and managers of State of Ohio funds, it is
an ethical obligation to operate within the spirit of the funding source, or
else reject the funds and freely operate autonomously. <br>
<br>
</span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">A
library's noncompliance is based on the denomination of public libraries being
a "political subdivision", and therefore exempt from compliance.
"Political subdivision" actually means that an entity is
"sub-divided" from, but remains politically part of the whole from
which it derives. In this case public libraries are at least grammatically a
political subdivision of the State of Ohio. As such, the whole always
works better overall when all the subdivisions work synergistically together.<br>
<br>
</span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Public
libraries should be paragons of good public citizenship. Good citizenship
compels us to follow the lead of our Governor, especially when that leadership invites
us to do good, by establishing sound safety practices for library patrons. Safe
internet practice sends a strong message that libraries are vitally concerned
about the safety of Ohioans.<br>
<br>
</span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Dangers
and perils come in many forms and from many sources. Public libraries have a
strong history of providing a safe and secure place for Ohio library patrons,
and families have come to rely on prudent safety measures being consistently
maintained by the public libraries in Ohio that they frequent. Libraries
go to great lengths to ensure their patrons are protected from many physical
dangers and social hazards while utilizing library resources. Every library has
strong safety policies in place, and those policies are regularly reviewed to
ensure that the organization is providing the safest environment for
library staff and patrons. Providing some protection from exploitation of
unsuspecting patrons, especially by foreign actors, while within the library
safety zone is a natural role for libraries. We do it all the time with
spam blockers, antivirus/antimalware measures, phishing detectors, etc. It is
one thing to allow our patrons to knowingly choose what they want to embrace
and what they want to reject; it is quite another to provide a direct means for
their personal harm while they are completely unaware of it. </span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Governors
do not make executive orders lightly. State government makes decisions for the
State from more reliable, and more comprehensive data than is available to the
average citizen. The executive order spells out the real dangers. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiqz4bVoNb8AhWKMjQIHRcfDU0QFnoECAMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FOHIOGOVERNOR%2F2023%2F01%2F09%2Ffile_attachments%2F2373098%2FSigned%2520Executive%2520Order%25202023-03D.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1IZiPQHrDRst2mVaf87C-7"><span style="color:blue">It is worth reading in its entirety</span></a>. </span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Even
if it remains that libraries are perpetually exempt from this executive order,
it is less than prudent to avail public networks of that exemption. Turning a blind eye to a known safety hazard is dangerous, and not in the best interest of our staff, or the patrons we serve. (IMHO)</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">My
2 cents, for what it's worth.<br>
KP</span></p><div><br></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div style="text-align:center"> <b>Kevin Puffer</b><br><b>Systems Administrator</b><br><b>Wood County District Public Library</b></div><div style="text-align:center"><b><a href="http://wcdpl.org" target="_blank">http://wcdpl.org</a></b></div><div style="text-align:center"><b>251 N. Main St. Bowling Green, OH 43402</b><br><b>(419)</b><b> 352-5104 - <a href="mailto:kpuffer@wcdpl.org" target="_blank">kpuffer@wcdpl.org</a></b></div></div></div></div></div></div>