Public Workstations Inappropriate Use

[Jennifer Lang]

Regarding my earlier posting about how to curtail inappropriate use of
WWW workstations in our library, I forgot to mention that we are a
public university. Sorry...

Jennifer Lang
Visiting Librarian
Langsam Library
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0033
(513) 556-1856
langjf at email.uc.edu


------>My original message:

>Our university library has several public WWW workstations. Lately,
>we've experienced problems with local high school students using the
>workstations to view objectionable (i.e., nude photographs, XXX
>websites, etc.) materials. Also, because the public library imposes time
>limits on their WWW computers, we have seen an increased number of local
>citizens (non-university) using our workstations for recreational
>purposes.
>
>We certainly do not want to practice any sort of censorship, nor do we
>want to discourage the local community from using our resources;
>however, these workstations were set up for research purposes for use by
>students, faculty and staff. We are considering drafting an acceptable
>use policy but are concerned that this may not be sufficient to prohibit
>non-university users from using these workstations inappropriately.
>
>Has anyone had a similar experience at a university library? If so, we
>would be interested to hear how you are dealing with (have dealt with)
>this issue. Thanks.