CIPA Compliance

Once your Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policies are in place, your library must decide if it wishes to filter and to what extent. The CIPA portion of the law does not require libraries to filter. Compliance is only necessary to participate in certain portions of the E-rate program and some LSTA funded initiatives. Libraries deciding to forego funds from these programs do not need to filter.

What factors should be considered when evaluating CIPA compliance?

• Cost of staff training
• Local community input
• E-rate or LSTA funding that might be affected
• Compatibility with current software or vendors
• Does the product meet local and federal filtering requirements?
• Cost of the filtering solution and any recurring fees
• Features and customizable options available with the filtering product
• Cost of staff time to implement/maintain/upgrade/monitor the solution

What is required to be CIPA compliant?

All computers with Internet access, including staff PCs, must operate with blocking or filtering technology that

1. prevents access to visual depictions that are obscene; and
2. prevents access to child pornography;

   For minors under the age of 17,

3. visual depictions that are harmful to minors must also be blocked.

   The terms "obscenity", "harmful to minors" and "child pornography" are defined in the United States Code and extracted in the text of the CIPA decision. The interpretation and implementation of these laws will vary locally.

   In the recent Supreme Court decision, the ability to disable filters at the request of an adult was emphasized.

Documentation necessary for CIPA compliance:

• An approved technology plan
• Certification on E-Rate form 486 (individual) or form 479 and letter of agency (consortia)
• LSTA Internet Safety Certification (for LSTA projects only)
• Acceptable Use Policy/Internet Safety Policy

 

Taken from the E-rate Overview.