of South Carolina's obscenity statute. 

Finally, some libraries have regulated patrons' Internet use to attempt to control

patrons' inappropriate (or illegal) behavior that is thought to stem from viewing Web

pages that contain sexually explicit materials or content that is otherwise deemed

unacceptable. 

We recognize the concerns that led several of the public libraries whose librarians

and board members testified in this case to start using Internet filtering software.  The

testimony of the Chairman of the Board of the Greenville Public Library is illustrative.  In

December 1999, there was considerable local press coverage in Greenville concerning

adult patrons who routinely used the library to surf the Web for pornography.  In

response to public outcry stemming from the newspaper report, the Board of Trustees

held a special board meeting to obtain information and to communicate with the public

concerning the library's provision of Internet access.  At this meeting, the Board learned

for the first time of complaints about children being exposed to pornography that was

displayed on the library's Internet terminals. 

In late January to early February of 2000, the library installed privacy screens and

recessed terminals in an effort to restrict the display of sexually explicit Web sites at the

library. In February, 2000, the Board informed the library staff that they were expected

to be familiar with the South Carolina obscenity statute and to enforce the policy

prohibition on access to obscene materials, child pornography, or other materials

prohibited under applicable local, state, and federal laws.  Staff were told that they were

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