privacy

[Charles Bearden - Processing]

In busy libraries, another patron would probably start using the machine
as soon as the first had gone to seek the assistance of the librarian in
clearing the history.  Even if the second user had no intent of checking 
the first's surfing, I find this problematic.  

Also, having machines "open" enough for a librarian easily to clear cache
and history files probably means that the machine is open enough for
malicious users to do some serious damage to the machine's configuration. 

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Chuck Bearden			email: cbearden at hpl.lib.tx.us
Catalog Department		voice: 713/247-3499
Houston Public Library		fax:   713/247-3158
500 McKinney Ave.
Houston, TX  77002		NOT SPEAKING FOR HPL 
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      -=>HPL's Homepage: http://sparc.hpl.lib.tx.us<=-


On Mon, 20 May 1996, Sara Weissman/Morris Cty Library wrote:

> Whole discussion of cache clearing is fascinating...a very low tech
> comment, if I may ...how would user behavior be affected if your
> Internet "station" had a small sign "Please speak to a librarian if you
> would like the history file of your Internet use erased before you leave."
> (The kids, of course, would already know how to do this!)
>