On Saturday we received a complaint about a gentleman watching explicit videos on a library computer. I do like to touch on freedom of speech when we talk about porn at the library.
This is from the Law Library at the State Library of Iowa:
It is important to remember that adults viewing adult pornography are not doing anything illegal, and general monitoring by staff of the content or use of library materials and resources in any format by patrons is inappropriate in all instances with the exception of observation for purposes of protecting library property. Therefore, it is best to intervene only in response to another patron’s complaints about what’s being viewed and then handle the situation according to the library’s conduct policy.
I understand it can be embarrassing to discuss this with library patrons. If you are uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to get the Librarian in Charge to assist with the conversation.
Please review the information from “Responding to Patron Behavior and Complaints.”
___________
Viewing some types of explicit content online—child pornography, for example, and rape—is illegal and should be reported to the Johnston Police Department. Viewing other types of explicit content—like sex acts, nudity, and extreme violence—is not illegal for adults even in a public library. That said, we are committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment for all patrons.
So what should you do if you see someone viewing explicit content in the Library?
Evaluate the situation
- Is the patron viewing the content in an area out of view of other patrons—in a study room, for example?
- As long as no one has complained, the patron is an adult, and the content does not appear to be illegal, monitor the situation.
- Have you received a complaint or is the patron viewing the content in an area within view of other patrons—on a public PC near the reference desk, for example?
Either approach the patron in-person or use PC Reservation to tell the patron that we’ve received a complaint about what they’re looking at. Generally, this will embarrass the patron into leaving or doing something else. If they continue viewing explicit content, either approach the patron in-person or use PC Reservation to tell the patron that, because they’ve continued viewing explicit content, you need to end their PC session.
|
Scenario 1: A patron is observed looking at sexual images of minors.
Only Response: Call the police and report it. Talk to a department head and fill out an incident report. Do NOT approach the patron yourself.
|
|
Scenario 2: A patron is watching Outlander Season 1 on the public computer. The scene is sexually explicit and includes nudity. A patron complains to staff at the information desk.
Possible Response: Tell the patron that we’ve received a complaint about what they’re looking at. That you know it’s a TV show but that it sounds like it includes content that might be offensive to other patrons. Offer for them to use a study room (if one is available) to finish their show. Otherwise, tell them they’ll need to view something else.
|
|
Scenario 3: A patron you’ve received a complaint about vigorously denies looking at something explicit.
Possible Response: Avoid sounding accusatory. Avoid using words like “porn” or “pornography”. Say something like, “I’m not judging what you’re watching. But, because this is a public place, we have to make sure other people, especially kids, aren’t going to see something they don’t want to.”
If the patron continues to argue, simply tell them that you’re not accusing them of anything but that you received a complaint and needed to respond. That if they aren’t looking at anything explicit, there will be no further issues.
|
|
Scenario 4: A patron is watching Outlander Season 1 on their public computer in a study room. You observe a scene that is sexually explicit and includes nudity. No one has complained and the only other patrons in the Library are in the Youth Services area.
Possible Response: There is no need for you to address this situation.
|