Internet access: Downloading issues

[Greg Dean Schmitz]

I am looking for input on the issue of allowing patrons to 
download files to disks from Internet access PC's.

Security and virus concerns appear to be the most obvious reasons a 
library would not allow patrons to download, but I am interested in 
hearing about others.  Is it a general opinion, that if PC's have a 
reliable anti-virus program (Mcafee, for example), that downloading is 
generally allowed?  What other factors come into play?

In reviewing library Internet policies, I've found that many libraries 
allow downloading from disks that the patron can purchase from the 
Library, but not all state whether patrons can bring in their own disks.  
A question I have about this, is that if it seems likely that the Internet 
is just as likely to be vulnerable to spreading viruses as a patron's 
disk, is the reasoning behind not allowing patrons to use disks from 
outside the building based on another obstacle, like possibly corrupt disks?

Another issue that comes up is the obvious security issue of using Ikiosk 
and Fortres to prevent downloading of files to the hard drive.  In my 
library's case, we will use both those programs.

These are some of the issues I am interested in, but I would appreciate 
any input from librarians who have dealt with this issue, or anyone who 
has anything they'd like to contribute.  

Thanks in advance for any input!

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Greg D. Schmitz			|	Email:  schmitz at winnefox.org
Oshkosh Public Library		|	Phone:  (920)236-5219 x4814
Oshkosh, WI 54901-4985		|	Fax:	(920)236-5227
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