Minneapolis library has plan to stop Internet porn use

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minneapolis Public Library, under pressure from the public, its staff and city leaders, is attempting to stop patrons from using its library computers to view pornography on the Internet.

Administrators announced Friday a new policy to require anyone wishing to use an Internet computer to show identification first. Half-hour time limits will be imposed on computer use.

Signs were posted at the downtown library Friday and will be posted in the city's branch libraries by Monday. The signs say patrons are prohibited from sending, receiving, printing or displaying text or graphics in violation of Minnesota statutes concerning obscene materials.

Police officers will help enforce the rules.

Minneapolis Library Director Mary Lawson said Internet sites on computers in the children's department must be age-appropriate.

For more than two years, the library has heard complaints from patrons and librarians concerning open displays of pornography on computer terminal screens. In a May 28, 1997, memo, Lawson warned that ''sexually explicit materials on the Internet may constitute sexual harassment.''

Seven Minneapolis librarians filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Wednesday, claiming that the pornography created a hostile working environment.