[WEB4LIB] Re: NT lockdown

[Andrew Mutch]

One possible solution would be to move to a terminal-based solution [What?!
Terminals!  Didn't we just get rid of those darn things??]  Since Windows-based
terminal solutions run all of the applications on the server, I imagine it would be
fairly easy to set up an administrative scheme which would allow librarians or
technical staff to kill those applications on the server-side from a remote
workstation, say at the reference desk.  It would also simplify security and
administration as you would only need to set configurations once and users wouldn't
have access to mess with preferences, etc.  You could even take-over a user's
session if you found them engaging in inappropriate behavior - you have the power!
:)

Andrew Mutch
Library Systems Technician
Waterford Township Public Library
Waterford, MI



> The major problem I see is the need to reboot the computer after each use.
> While it isn't a problem when you have only one or two workstations, once your
> system has more than that, staff will be spending much of their time running to
> each workstation to reboot them.
>
> I have been thinking about how librarians can control workstation use,
> particularly on those machines which permit unfettered access to the 'net.  When
> you go to a self-service gas station, you either give the clerk cash or a credit
> card to activate the pump.  When you've pumped however much gas you're buying,
> the pump shuts off.  There are two elements that we could apply to library
> workstations:  (1) Setting the amount of time permitted, and (2) Logging off the
> 'net when the time is up.  If this system could be tied into a circulation
> system, and a person's use of the computer linked to their library card, so much
> the better.
>
> An automatic logoff would prevent the problem many libraries have
> mentioned--people leaving sexually explicit sites open for the next person who
> uses the machine to see.  Security measures such as clearing histories could
> also be built into the program.
>
> Anyone know if this product would be feasible?
>
> Your friendly CyberGoddess and ALA Councilor,
> Sue Kamm
> email:  suekamm at class.org
> If this Nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our
> destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good
> books in more public libraries.  These libraries should be open to
> all--except the censor.  We must know all the facts and hear all the
> alternatives and listen to all the criticisms.  Let us welcome
> controversial books and controversial authors.  For the Bill of Rights is
> the guardian of our security as well as our liberty.
> --John F. Kennedy.