Virginia To Consider Statewide Library Internet Restrictions

Staff -- Library Journal, 1/26/1998

Virginia, home of the country's first lawsuit over filtering the Internet at a public library, now must consider the possibility of a statewide law requiring such filters at public libraries, as well as other restrictions. A bill (HB 348) introduced by state delegate Robert Marshall, R-Manassas, would require juveniles to be accompanied by parents or adults when using unfiltered computers, and that any unfiltered computers be placed in areas that bar unaccompanied juveniles. Libraries with unfiltered computers would also have to provide juveniles with computers that limit access to "materials harmful to juveniles, child pornography, and obscene materials." Also, all patrons would be prohibited from accessing, displaying, or reproducing such materials in any area where juveniles have access, and they would be banned from accessing obscenity or child pornography in any area. Library staff would be granted immunity for reporting patron violations.