Internet filtering software

[Harry Baker]

Excuse me if what I am going to say has been discussed on this list 
before.  I am on multiple lists, and I mix up discussion threads from the 
various lists.

I heard an interesting solution to this dilemma recently.  A library 
somewhere has installed privacy screens on their public WWW browsing 
terminals.  With these screens installed, only the person using the 
computer is able to see what is on the monitor screens.  I was browsing 
through a computer supply catalog today, and I noticed that these screens 
cost about $100 each.  Expensive, but probably cheaper than the price of 
the filtering software and staff time installing and troubleshooting the 
software.  I would be thrilled to hear reasoning against this solution 
for this problem.

Jay Baker
hbaker at ucla.edu
UCLA Department of Library and Information Science  


On Mon, 15 Jul 1996, Cary Cochrell wrote:

> I would like to know where I can find additional information on the use 
> of software to block "offensive" sites. There is currently a controversy 
> in our community over the use of such software, and we librarians need to 
> find out as much as possible about the pros and cons involved. Can anyone
> suggest a way to find out if there are any libraries out there using 
> blocking software at public Internet terminals? Are there any good web 
> sites out there with information on this topic? We are resisting the cry 
> for installing this software, but we need help. Anything would be greatly
> appreciated. Thank you............Cary Cochrell 
>  
>