Riverside Regional Library

Policy Limiting Computer Access
to Material that is Pornographic for Minors

(approved June 24, 2004)

Introduction

It is the policy of Riverside Regional Library to restrict minors from gaining computer access to material that is pornographic for minors in accordance with Sections 182.825 and 182.827 RSMo.

Definitions 

Key terms are as defined in Section 182.825, RSMo.:

(1) "Child", any person under the age of fourteen

(2)  "Pornographic for minors", as that term is defined in section 573.010, RSMo;

"Pornographic for minors", any material or performance is pornographic for minors if the following apply:  

(a)              The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the material or performance, taken as a whole, has a tendency to cater or appeal to a prurient interest of minors; and

(b)             The material or performance depicts or describes nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse in a way which is patently offensive to the average person applying contemporary adult community standards with respect to what is suitable for minors; and

(c)              The material or performance, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors) 

(2) "Public access computer", a computer that is:  

(a)              Located in an elementary or secondary public school or public library;

(b)              Frequently or regularly used directly by a minor; and

(c)              Connected to any computer communication system.  

Access to Inappropriate Material

All public access computers shall be equipped with software that limit minors' ability to gain access to material that is pornographic for minors.  Riverside Regional Library will purchase Internet connectivity from an Internet service provider that provides filter services to limit access to material that is pornographic for minors.  

Supervision and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Riverside Regional Library staff to supervise and monitor usage of the public access computers in accordance with this policy and Sections 182.825 and 182.827, RSMo.

Approved by the Board of Riverside Regional Library on June 24, 2004