The Institute for Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS), the agency responsible for implementing CIPA for libraries and schools receiving Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants, issued statements outlining CIPA's requirements to State Library Administrative Agencies. According to the American Library Association, IMLS emphasized that constitutional application of the law requires that the filter be disabled for adult users upon request. IMLS further noted that, under the differing rules applicable to LSTA grants, filters can be disabled for users of all ages.

• IMLS regulations only apply to libraries that do not receive E-rate services subject to CIPA.
• During Funding Year 2004, State Library Administrative Agencies must certify that funds made available under IMLS State Programs are being used to purchase computers or underwrite Internet access only for libraries that have certified compliance with CIPA.
• To receive Funding Year 2004 funds from state library agencies, public libraries must certify to State Library Administrative Agencies that they are compliant with CIPA or are taking steps to comply with CIPA. Neither agency imposed requirements for a particular filtering technology, Internet use policy, or procedure to implement CIPA. Libraries appear free to craft local policies to address CIPA's requirements.

IMLS requests that all questions be referred to the State Library Administrative Agencies. IMLS recommends that the Illinois library community contact Amy Kellerstrass at the Illinois State Library (e-mail: akellerstrass@ilsos.net) for further information. Legal counsel for the Illinois State Library is currently reviewing these these guidelines and the state library will issue a statement shortly.

More CIPA News
Follow the links below for additional CIPA news available on the ILA site.

  IMLS Guidelines
  ICN Statement
  Updated FCC Regulations
  CIPA Info & FAQ
  ALA Denounces Ruling