Complying with CIPA

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Complying with CIPA
Mark Loggins Library 180 Spring 2005
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Many public and school libraries are now required
to comply with the Childrens Internet Protection
Act (CIPA).
What CIPA Requires Under CIPA, schools
and libraries subject to CIPA do not receive the
discounts offered by the "E-Rate" program
(discounts that make access to the Internet
affordable to schools and libraries) unless they
certify that they have certain Internet safety
measures in place. These include measures to
block or filter pictures that (a) are obscene,
(b) contain child pornography, or (c) when
computers with Internet access are used by
minors, are harmful to minors
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Schools and libraries subject to CIPA are
required to adopt a policy addressing
(a) access by minors to inappropriate matter on
the Internet and World Wide Web (b) the
safety and security of minors when using
electronic mail, chat rooms, and other
forms of direct electronic communications
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c) unauthorized access, including so-called
"hacking," and other unlawful activities
by minors online (d) unauthorized disclosure,
use, and dissemination of personal information
regarding minors and (e) restricting minors'
access to materials harmful to them. CIPA does
not require the tracking of Internet use by
minors or adults.
CIPA does require that libraries and schools
submit annual certification
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• There are many products for filtering the
  internet for children.
• The first question is what is the best choice for
  your library.
• Many libraries have divided computers for patron
  use into two separate areas within the library
• The regular patrons area which anyone in the
  library can access. Or
• The childrens area designated for patrons with
  small children and normally not visited by
  non-parental patrons.

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Childrens Area
For filtering computers in the childrens area,
it is easier and safer to install kid browsers
instead of internet filters. Kid browsers are
designed with their own safe list of sites and
have controls for stopping services such as
e-mail and chat. They also are able to prevent
exiting and moving to a normal browser.
For some information on the different kid
browsers, please visitwww.safesurf.com,
or www.icra.org Neither of these sites are
commercially based software vendors.
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The Regular Patrons Area
Computers in this area are for patrons of any
age. Since access to these workstations are for
everyone, filtering the internet to comply with
CIPA is a question of local policy and procedure
suited for your clientele. Some libraries filter
separate workstations and some filter the entire
system. The choice depends on number of
computers, staffing, and technical abilities.
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Internet filters have an array of options.
Some filter by keyword, url, file types, or other
parameters. Some filter by shutting down certain
services such as e-mail and chat or have timed
session controls. Most ISP and internet browsers
now come with filters already installed. Many
commercial filters use site lists to block
unwanted sites in addition to keyword blocking.
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So now what type of filter system do you
need? Client based filters are designed for
separate workstations. Filters are set
individually and must be removed or reset
individually. Many libraries set the filter then
wait for a patrons request to remove the
filter. This may suit smaller libraries with
staff available to respond to such requests.
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Server filters have software that is installed on
a central server. The internet traffic from the
workstations is routed through this server. This
allows more centralized control over the system.
This level of filter will require some extensive
technical skill in areas of coding and
interoperability.
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Integrated Access Systems This is a filter that
is integrated with workstation management
systems. It allows for centralized
administration of filters, computer security, and
any other computer service including session time
tracking. It is able to provide per patron level
of filtering using such items as smart cards. It
also allows for libraries to block patrons use
for overdue fines or other problems. This is the
latest craze in internet management for
libraries.
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The need for internet filtering for libraries to
be in compliance with CIPA has spawned an entire
sector of the internet filtering industry.

• Before you buy you should
• Find out how the filter works Keyword blocking
  or url site listing or other?
• What level of technical skill will be needed to
  install and run the system?
• How much control do you want over setting and
  resetting filters for patrons?
• How much money, time, and equipment will be
  needed to implement the system?

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The filtering of the internet is one of the most
controversial topics facing todays libraries.
Filtering for compliance with CIPA versus 1st
Amendment rights and free access will remain a
long standing issue. Politics aside, finding a
sensible balance seems the best course of action
for the time being. When it comes to filters,
you should play to your strengths as librarians
and research. Only you can tell what size, shape,
and format is best suited for your library. Happy
Hunting!
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Sources www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cipa.html
www.ala.org/ala/oif/ifissues/hunterthesis.pdf
www.bluehighways.com/tifap/learn.htm
www.internet-filters.net
http//tln.lib.mi.us
www.searchengines.com/kids/safe_searching-browsers
.html
www.icra.org
www.safesurf.com
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The End