User Authentication at Internet Terminals

[Eric Schnell]

  I am doing an informal non-scientific survey about your 
library's current policy regarding authenticating users at your 
public access Internet terminals. "Authentication" as I am using 
it refers to the ability to track the usage of the Internet to a given 
individual during a specific time period by the assignment of a 
unique username. 

   This discussion seems to be a hot topic among those I have 
communicated with. It appears that a growing number of network 
security folks are pressuring libraries into authenticating every user. 
Security is very concerned about people using open terminals to be 
destructive/mischievous in an anonymous setting. At the same time, 
libraries are in support of open and anonymous access policies. 

Please email me the following directly at schnell.9 at osu.edu. Results are 
posted at:


http://bones.med.ohio-state.edu/eric/authentication.html

1) Do you currently require users at public access Internet terminals
    to be authenticated?

2) Are you a public or private institution?

3) Is your library investigating authentication solutions?

4) Any comments on your situation?

  Again, please email me directly. All responses will be added to the Web
page, but the sender's name will remain anonymous. 

-Eric



 
Eric Schnell
Assistant Professor
Head, Automation Services
Prior Health Sciences Library
The Ohio State University
schnell.9 at osu.edu / 614-292-4870
http://bones.med.ohio-state.edu/eric.html