Public Access PCs in Academic Libraries - HELP!

[CBailey512]

In a message dated 98-04-07 17:27:01 EDT, you write:

<< To:	web4lib at library.berkeley.edu (Multiple recipients of list)
 
 My Library Director asked me to post the following question to you, in
 hopes that we can get some information to use in our next round of meetings. 
 
 * * * * *
 "At the University of Maine at Farmington, we are putting 20 new Windows 95
 PCs in our public areas.  These machines would be used to access our new
 Web-based catalog and magazine indexes, as well as general Internet
 searching.  Campus e-mail, word processing and other services will not be
 offered. 
  >>

Katherine,

I think your techies are being very unrealistic. Public access workstations
should have as few restrictions as possible. We impose very few restrictions
on the use of our workstations and have had little problem. If your computer
types have their act together, they should be able to provide more than
adequate protection for the campus network without crippling the access for
your library.

As to filtering (or more accurately ... censoring) the access of your patrons,
I think there would have to be some legal requirement or firm statement of
policy for it, either from the trustees of your institution or from your state
legislature. This is not a casual decision.

Regards .. CD Bailey
Trustee .. Hubbard Public Library