The intent of this policy is to restrict access in public libraries
to materials that are child pornography, harmful to minors,
or obscene supported by tax levies
following Kansas law HB 2109, passed in 2013. “Child
pornography is a “visual depiction of a minor (any person
under 18) shown or heard engaging in sexually explicit
conduct with the intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desires
or appeal to the prurient interest of the offender or any
other person.” “Obscene” is defined in K.S.A. 2012 21-6401.
“Harmful to minors” is defined in K.S.A. 2012 21-6402.
“Visual depiction” is defined in K.S.A. 2012 21-5510.
________ Library takes the following
precautions to enforce this intent:
[Remove or add to the following list activities
that accurately depict the situation in your library.]
- Putting Internet filters on public computers connected to the Internet. Staff will turn off this filter for adults upon request.
- Facing public computer screens toward staff areas.
- Requiring users of public library computers to read and sign an users’ agreement.
- Posting of this policy near the computers warning that viewing visual depictions of child pornography, or pictures that are obscene or harmful to minors.
- Staff response to violations can only be triggered if the staff directly observes violations.
- Patrons observing potential violations can report their observations to staff at the circulation desk.
- Staff members will then attempt to verify these claims.
- Staff response to violations of this policy.
- Viewing child pornography or showing child pornography to another is illegal.
- Staff observing these activities will call the police without warning.
- Staff observing the viewing of visual depictions that are obscene or harmful to minors will give one warning. After a second violation, staff will ask patrons to leave the library for a time.
- Library board will review this policy every third year.
