What is Kanguard?
Kanguard is the free Internet content filter for public libraries in
Kansas; a service coordinated and managed by the Regional Library
Systems 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 associated with OpenDNS 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
Important Disclaimer
How does Kanguard work?
Computers meant to use Kanguard are configured (when in "filtered"
mode) to route all web traffic through the domain name servers of OpenDNS. The server disallows access to sites included on a blacklist.
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?
Contact your Regional Library System for assistance, or if you prefer, set up an individual OpenDNS account for your library at http://www.opendns.com/.
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 may forward requests for consideration of
sites to the Kanguard review committee; however, the final decision on blocking sites will be made through a vote of the global OpenDNS user community.
(Libraries may submit requests for list changes directly to http://domain.opendns.com if they prefer to bypass the Kansas review committee).
What does Kanguard try to filter?
The blacklist is intended to prevent access to sites that would
violate provisions of K.S.
21-4301c, concerning Promotion to minors of obscenity harmful to
minors, and 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: http://www.opendns.com/welcome/
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. Schools may subscribe directly at http://www.opendns.com
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.
Back to the Top
Please direct comments to:
Jeff Hixon (jeffh@kslib.info),
Deputy Director, Statewide Resource Sharing
State Library of Kansas
Last Updated 6/1/2010
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