In recent years, security issues have increasingly come to dominate the technological development process--although still in a more reactive than proactive mode. It now seems more important than ever to monitor security trends and policy developments, especially if technology is regarded as a potential community builder. This article suggests…

Every place has it--coffee shops, bookstores, universities ... and now libraries are offering wireless Internet access too. At the Waterford Township Public Library (Waterford, Michigan), Andrew Mutch created a wide-open wireless network using Public IP open source software. About 20 miles away, at the Novi Public Library (Novi, Michigan), Karen…

Reviews the Internet and intranets, private communications networks within organizations. Examines extranets (organization's intranet offering password-protected external customer and supplier access to selected portions of its intranet) highlighting the viewpoint of librarians. Discusses extranet issues (security, access, user satisfaction),…

Who can be trusted on the Web? These days, with identity theft seemingly rampant, it's more important than ever to take all possible measures to protect privacy and to shield personal information from those who might not have good intentions. Today, librarians also have to take reasonable precautions to ensure that the online services that they…

Discusses the use of firewalls for library intranets, highlighting the move from mainframes to PCs, security issues and firewall architecture, and operating systems. Provides a glossary of basic networking terms and a bibliography of suggested reading. (PEN)

Presents the main ingredients for successful computer-systems administration. Discusses training and ongoing support, change management for system upgrades, developing a problem-reporting form and keeping the documentation history, managing technical support, and having a disaster-recovery plan. (AEF)

Examines Internet security risks and how users can protect themselves. Discusses inadvertent bugs in software; programming problems with Common Gateway Interface (CGI); viruses; tracking of Web users; and preventing access to selected Web pages and filtering software. A glossary of Internet security-related terms is included. (AEF)

Securing public access workstations should be a significant part of any library's network and information-security strategy because of the sensitive information patrons enter on these workstations. As the IT manager for the Johnson County Library in Kansas City, Kan., this author is challenged to make sure that thousands of patrons get the access…

Describes one public school library's struggles and solutions to problems associated with managing its new Windows desktop. To implement goals for organizing the desktop, the library selected the FoolProof desktop security system, utilized networks administration to enforce the school's Acceptable Use Policy, and used Windows 95 System Policies.…

Addresses issues to consider when upgrading library CD-ROM networks for multimedia applications. Topics includes security issues; workstation requirements such as soundboards and monitors; local area network configurations that avoid bottlenecks: Asynchronous Transfer Mode, Ethernet, and Integrated Services Digital Network; server performance…

Presents tips for building a secure library system to guard against threats like hackers, viruses, and theft. Topics include: determining what is at risk; recovering from disasters; developing security policies; developing front-end security; securing menu systems; accessing control programs; protecting against damage from viruses; developing…

Presents security procedures for protecting a library's computer system from potential threats by patrons or personnel, and describes how security can be breached. A sidebar identifies four areas of concern in security management: the hardware, the operating system, the network, and the user interface. A selected bibliography of sources on…

Explains the public printing services available at computer terminals for patrons at the University of Guelph (Ontario) libraries. Highlights include configurations of the public workstations; client and server hardware and software; security features; cost projections; and printing charges. (LRW)

Dalhousie is a medium-sized university, with about 15,000 FTE students, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious universities, yet, like many other public institutions, it frequently suffers from a lack of adequate funding to fulfill all the conflicting needs of the various faculties and departments. This…

Describes installation and configuration of Mosaic and a World Wide Web (WWW) site at Grainger Library. Challenges include choosing a WINSOCK; customizing Mosaic for public-access computers; reducing security risks; maximizing Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME); designing a home page; producing Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) documents.…