Summary: Restricting intranet to staff use

[Chuck Bearden]

I received seven responses to my query on restricting library 
intranets to staff use.  Many thanks to all who responded!  From 
the number of requests I received for a summary of the responses, 
I know there are others who are are grateful as well.  

I identified four basic approaches to www site authentication or 
restriction among the responses:

	Approach	# of responses
	--------	--------------
	Passwords		2
	managed by 
	www server		

	Novell login		1

	Toplogy/IP 		2
	(e.g. with 
	firewall)

	IP authentication 	2
	by server


Here are slightly more detailed summaries of the individual 
responses, inclduding any comments regarding discussion lists 
as well:

	-Password protection of of relevant directories of www 
	 site; 

	-Password protection of relevant directories of www site; 
 	 require that subscriptions to intranet discussion lists 
	 come to the intranet manager/librarian to prevent 
	 outsiders from subscribing; 

	-Novell-based: no www server, pages are served as files 
	 from mapped drives on Novell server, with rights assigned 
	 according to login; 

	-Topology & IP: separate public & administrative nets, 
	 packet-filtering router between them; www server 
	 also has interfaces on each network but doesn't 
	 forward IP packets; admin www site served only 
	 through interface on admin side;

	-Topology & IP: server behind a firewall that lets only 
	 specific IP addresses through; 

	-IP authentication by www server for some (not many) 
	 pages; doesn't publicize address; discourages 
	 robots (presumably with robots.txt); 

	-IP authetication by server; LISTSERV(R) software has 
	 various ways to restrict access to mailing lists; 

Mark Ellis, Peter Murray, and Dan Lester posted their responses to 
the list as well, so the full text of their responses is available 
through the archive.  

Interesting services mentioned in responses as being offered via intranet: 

	-Trial software packages; 
	-shared hotlists and bookmark lists; 
	-committee minutes; 
	-staff training handouts; 
	-schedules; 
	-job descriptions Libraries; 
	-staff directory; 
	-library policies; 
	-hints for software programs; 
	-links to on- and off-campus databases; 
	-various tips and in-house FAQs; 
	-webbed access to databases for keyword 
	 searches; 
	-webbed chat board


I hope others will contribute their experiences with intranets 
as time goes on.  I plan on doing so.  

Thanks again to all who responded.

Chuck
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Chuck Bearden			email: cbearden at hpl.lib.tx.us
Network Services Librarian
Automation Department		voice: 713/247-2264
Houston Public Library		fax:   713/247-1182
500 McKinney Ave.
Houston, TX  77002		
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