Patrons causing problems with online gaming

[Peter Murray]

Sue Kamm wrote:

>Hogue Melanie wrote:
>  
>
>>QUESTION: Regarding segregation by use, we are considering removal of
>>Internet access from our computers that have word processing capabilities
>>because we have patrons who would occupy these machines for surfing when
>>there are people waiting to type resumes, etc. Does anyone have a story
>>about the success or failure of this policy? I'm thinking that there are
>>patrons who need Internet access to compile information for a letter or
>>paper they are typing. 
>>    
>>
>Do you have access to a techie?  There's a way to set up workstations so 
>a user can access certain websites - the library's OPAC, fee-based 
>databases the library subscribes to.  Such workstations could probably 
>suppor MS Office without providing entrance to the entire net.
>  
>
There are in fact ways to solve this (and the original question) using 
proxy servers.  In this case, you could set up a proxy server with a 
"white list" that limits web access to only the designated services.  In 
the case of the original message in this thread, one could set up a 
proxy server that blocks access to the gaming sites and instead puts up 
a message explaining the usage policy.  (The latter is harder, of 
course, because where would one find a comprehensive list of 
game-playing sites.)  I talk about each of these in my LITA Regional 
Institute of Web Proxy Servers and Authentication 
(http://www.pandc.org/proxy/) and there might be enough information 
outline in the slides for you or your designated 'techie' to develop a 
solution.


Peter



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