Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires two things: 1) an Internet Safety Policy; and 2) the use of filtering software on Internet access.

 I.  Internet Safety Policy

You must have an Internet safety policy that covers everything, including new rules passed over the years. You can use the template on our website at http://mlc.lib.ms.us/technology-services/e-rate/ (under Links for Additional Information on E-Rate/Universal Services).

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If you have not already adopted an Internet safety policy, you must hold a public hearing during your next board meeting to discuss said policy.  There is not a requirement that members of the public have to actually show up or even speak. Properly advertise when your open meeting will be, and keep a copy of your proof of notice (photocopy of newspaper/printout of newspaper’s website). If you do not have records of having held such a meeting in the past,  you must hold a meeting following the guidelines set forth below.

The notice for this meeting goes beyond the normal public notice you have to do for your usual board meetings.  If you’re making your public hearing a part of your regularly scheduled board meeting, just an additional line is sufficient, like this:

“The regular meeting of the ______ Library Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2015, 11:00 a.m., in the 1st floor main meeting room. The meeting will include a public hearing to discuss proposed technology protection measures and the internet safety policy.”

Be sure to actually discuss the Internet safety policy during your advertised board meeting and make sure it is recorded in the minutes appropriately.   The actual formal discussion of the Internet Safety Policy and its adoption should appear on the board’s agenda.  Ensure that a formal motion and vote of acceptance are recorded accurately in your minutes.  Do not forget to approve these minutes at the subsequent board meeting.

Finally, save all of your documentation which includes:

• your policy
• the proof of notice
• your board minutes discussing and approving the policy

Please share this documentation with Vivian Sanderford by emailing her at vivian@mlc.lib.ms.us.

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II. Filtering Software

The second part of CIPA requires “specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access” to visual depictions of:

• Child pornography
• Obscenity
• Materials harmful to minors (does not include violence or hate speech)

Filtering must be applied to all Internet accessible computers in the library.  If your library receives Internet access from AT&T and the statewide contract, then this service is already provided to your library.