[OPLINTECH] Overriding content filters

[Mann, James H.]

Owen
The simple version of the law says that persons 18 and older may request unfiltered internet access and the request will be granted in a reasonable time. My memory of the various arguments was that a "reasonable time" was hours not days.
That said, GCPL uses Websense and provides a Websense management console at every public service desk. Public computers are filtered by IP and the filter can be changed from the global policy to an adult policy on request. The change is almost immediate and the patron gets unfiltered internet by restarting or refreshing their browser.
If you use a proxy-based filter there are several products which just reach into the internet options and turn the proxy on or off. I understand how you would do this with the major commercial products but I honestly haven't investigated how you would do it with a FOSS product like Squid.
Again if your  library is CIPA compliant you must filter all computers including staff computers and you must turn the filter off for an adult upon request. The law also provides for special use computers which don't have to be unfiltered so you have some space for OPACs and dedicated research computers a.k.a a children computer or a genealogy computer.
HTH

Jim Mann
GCPL

________________________________________
From: oplintech-bounces at oplin.org [oplintech-bounces at oplin.org] On Behalf Of Owen Leonard [oleonard at gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 2:48 PM
To: OPLINTECH at oplin.org
Subject: [OPLINTECH] Overriding content filters

I'm curious how other libraries handle filter overrides. Does your
filtering software/hardware allow for overrides? Do you allow your
patrons to override the content filter? Is anyone using a content
filter that interfaces with your ILS to validate adult vs. juvenile
patrons?

I'm just curious if there is a baseline of expectations for library users.

Thanks,

   Owen

----
Web Developer
Athens County Public Libraries
http://www.myacpl.org
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