The news of the planned parental control features that Follett School Solutions was considering for its Destiny library management system generated considerable controversy in the library community. Although these features were directly requested from libraries concerned with the new laws, the privacy issues loomed large. The intent of much of the new legislation presents a challenging environment for libraries. The requested controls, however, run contrary to library privacy policies and values and in most cases exceeded the specific legal requirements. Rather than go forward with these new modules, Follett stated that it will speak with those affected customers over the coming months to better understand their concerns without changing the privacy protections inherent to Destiny.
Britten Follett and Paul Ilse issued a statement retracting the plans under previous consideration:
"We take very seriously the feedback we have received from librarians and industry partners regarding a potential parental control module for Destiny Library Manager. Based on this feedback, Follett will not proceed with any plans to develop this module.
At Follett, our mission is to support librarians and get books into the hands of students. We support the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and advancing – not limiting – the role of the librarian and the school library."
