floppy disk access on public access

[Adam Button]

At the Reading Public Library we allow patrons to use new floppy disks that
have been purchased from the reference desk for $1.  The floppy may not be
used again if it leaves the library.  Although it's only an informal
arrangement, as a courtesy, after the patron to writes their name on the
disk label, we keep it for them behind the reference desk in case they want
to come back to use it in the library.

We offer WWW/Internet access, about eight networked CD-ROM products, and a
stand alone PC for word processing.  The library purchased floppy may be
used for either service.  We don't permit downloading of software applications

Of course, our policies for PC use are still evolving.

Adam Button
Reference Librarian
Reading Public Library
Reading, PA 

At 05:47 AM 2/17/98 -0800, you wrote:
>Hi there
>
>We have a number networked of public access pcs where our clients can surf
the net, 
>access our cd rom network and search our library catalogue.
>
>At the minute we have disabled access to the a drive (using cmos settings)
>
>We are becoming more aware that users may have legitimate reasons to download 
>files to their floppy discs - but we don't want to compromise our network 
>security by allowing the potential of recalcitrant users  uploading a virus to 
>our network or re booting the pc and running programs from a discette..
>
>How have other libraries handled this ?
>--
>
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Adam Button

610/374-2943
button05 at mindspring.com

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