Internet Filtering at Pioneer Library System

Overview:

Internet Filters

Pioneer Library System complies with state and federal law guiding the use of filtering software in public libraries. Both Internet computers and wireless access are filtered to screen out obscene and sexually explicit websites in accordance with the Federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). No filtering software is infallible. Filters may falsely block material that is appropriate in a public library setting or they may fail to block access to illegal or objectionable material.

Use of the Internet by Children and Teens

Parents and designated caregivers are responsible for their minor children’s behavior while using computers at the library. All computers are filtered. Filtering software is not perfect, and it may not block everything that might be considered objectionable. Excerpted from Pioneer’s Internet Access Policy.

Pioneer Library System’s (PLS) utilizes a firewall, in-house built app, and a computer reservation application to enforce filtering.

When a customer logs onto a library computer with a library card and PIN, the reservation app displays the Internet Access Policy which must be accepted to continue. The default state for all computer internet access is filtered. On each public computer desktop is an unfiltered internet shortcut that when clicked activates the in-house app which checks the cardholder’s age against the library's customer database. If the customer cardholder is an adult profile, the program changes the proxy from filtered internet access to unfiltered access.

The firewall protects the network from malware, other malicious attacks and serves as the filter. While acting as the filter, the firewall checks every website request against a database of categorized sites. When a customer tries to visit a website, the firewall determines if it is a safe website for the network. If the site is deemed safe, access is granted. If not, the site is blocked and the customer sees an explanatory message including a link to report any site believed to be categorized incorrectly.

PLS Wi-Fi is an open access network that does not require authentication. Therefore, all Wi-Fi access is filtered to ensure compliance with CIPA.