Internet Filtering at Pioneer Library System

Overview:

Pioneer Library System (PLS) provides public access to the Internet to enhance and support information access. The Internet offers a wide range of viewpoints and content. Not all sources are accurate, complete, or current, and some may be considered offensive or inappropriate. While PLS does not control the content available on the Internet. Customers are responsible for use of the Internet in public spaces and are expected to use these resources responsibly and legally in a manner consistent with PLS Customer Conduct Policy and applicable law.

Filters & Use of the Internet by Minors 

All library computers and wireless access are filtered in accordance with the Federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Filtering software is not infallible and may block material or fail to block access to illegal or objectionable material. Parents and designated caregivers are responsible for their minor children’s Internet use. Excerpted from Pioneer’s Internet Access Policy. 

Pioneer Library System (PLS) enforces filtering through a computer reservation application, a firewall, and an in-house-built app.

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.  

The firewall protects the network from malware and 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. 

On each public computer desktop, an unfiltered internet shortcut opens the in-house app when clicked. The app checks the cardholder’s profile against the library's customer database. If the customer cardholder has an adult profile, the program changes the proxy from filtered internet access to unfiltered access. Visitor passes remain filtered access, as there is no profile to check against, as do Virtual cards, which have not had ID verification.

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.