What is Kanguard?
Kanguard is the free Internet content filter for public libraries in Kansas a service of the State Library of Kansas
 Kansas public libraries that have made the decision to filter public access computers in response to the requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) have the option of using Kanguard, an Internet filter service provided by the State Library of Kansas that is:
- reliable
- low maintenance
- easily disabled or reactivated by library staff
- minimally disruptive to the user's online work
- available to the library at no charge
and that:
- has no negative effect on the performance of the library's computer
- uses decisions on site blocking made by Kansas librarians
- meets the technology protection measure requirement of CIPA
Kanguard is funded by a grant from
Important Disclaimer
How does Kanguard work?
Computers meant to use Kanguard are configured (when in "filtered" mode) to route all Internet traffic through a server maintained by the Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS). The server disallows access to sites included on a "blocklist".
Once properly configured to use this service the local computer connects with the Kanguard server via the Internet. The server and supporting administrative software are located in Lawrence, where NEKLS staff are responsible for ongoing server maintenance.
The Kansas Regional Library Systems assist in the distribution of Kanguard disabling media, and with configuration of local library computers.
How do I sign my library up?
Complete the online form at http://www.kumc.edu/cgi-bin/skyways/multiform1.pl. The form will go to your regional system office and to the Kanguard administrator. System staff will contact you to be sure you understand what Kanguard will and will not do, and arrange Kanguard setup for your library.
How much does Kanguard cost?
Nothing. This service is provided at no charge to public libraries in the state of Kansas.
How can I get the blocklist modified?
A filter maintenance form is available at participating public libraries. The librarian will forward requests for consideration of sites to the Kanguard review committee.
How many sites are currently blocked?
Currently, there are about 100,000 sites blocked. Kanguard does not do keyword filtering.
How often is the blocklist updated?
The list is updated weekly.
What does Kanguard try to filter?
The review committee will add to the blocklist sites that would violate provisions of K.S. 21-4301c, concerning Promotion to minors of obscenity harmful to minors.
Kanguard is further intended to meet certain requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA.) The act requires that public libraries receiving discounts on Internet access/internal connections through the e-rate program, or those receiving federal (LSTA) dollars for Internet access/computers must implement a "technology protection measure" (TPM), for Internet access, which must protect against access to visual depictions that:
- are obscene (defined in a reference to section 1460 of title 18, U.S. Code),
- contain child pornography (defined in a reference to section 2256 of title 18, U.S. Code), or
- are harmful to minors. This is defined in CIPA as any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that, with respect to minors:
- taken as a whole, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
- depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
- taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
CIPA does not require the filtering of text.
How can I test Kanguard to see if it's working on a machine in my library?
Go to this webpage: skyways.lib.ks.us/KSL/libtech/kanguard/guardtest.html
If you actually see the webpage, then the machine you are currently using is unfiltered, or else the filter is misbehaving. In either case, please contact your local system office.
If you see the "oops!" page, the filter is working just fine.
Can a school library use Kanguard?
Due to different content-blocking requirements for public and school libraries, and to limitations on the volume of traffic Kanguard can be expected to manage, we offer the service to public libraries only.
What is the history of Kanguard?
"Kanguard" started in February 2002 as a service of the Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS) to its members.
In August of 2003, Duane Johnson, the state librarian of Kansas, developed an interest in the service sparked by discussions on CIPA. He approached NEKLS about the possibility of making "onGuard" available statewide. So "onGuard" became "Kanguard", and is now hosted by NEKLS and offered as a service of the state library.
I have additional questions regarding Kanguard. Whom should I ask?
Please contact your regional library system office for technical support and setup information. For program information, please contact Jeff Hixon at the State Library of Kansas:
(800-432-3919 | jeffh@kslib.info).
Important Disclaimer
This service is provided with the understanding that no filter is is perfect in blocking all Internet sites that are in conflict with federal law and with Kansas law. The provision of this service and a library's voluntary use of this service are sincere good faith efforts to meet the requirements of federal and state laws.
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Please direct comments to:
Jeff Hixon (jeffh@kslib.info),
Deputy Director, Statewide Resource Sharing
State Library of Kansas
Last Updated 6/19/2006
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