1. Midlothian Council Library Service Public Access Internet and Content Filtering

2. Public Internet Access in Midlothian Autumn 1999 - Spring 2000 DS Galaxy Library Management System introduced via trusted council network. Spring 2000 Security concerns concerning web catalogue prompt move to semi-trusted schools network. Spring 2001 Public access Internet service launched in all libraries with I-Gear filtering administered by education IT staff. Autumn 2001 Schools move to new network. I-Gear filtering now responsibility of library staff.

3. Filtering Options Dont filter Internet content at all. Use a single level of filtering. Use different levels of filtering for different age groups. Use walled garden approach.

4. Midlothian Filtering Policy Three cast levels: Adult: 16 years of age and older - relatively unrestricted Teenage: 11 to 16 years of age - more restricted. Child: 10 years of age and younger - most restricted

5. I-Gear: How it works User casts set up using: Themed lists of URLs Dynamic Document Review (DDR) Also: Keyword blocking

6. Monitoring Usage I-Gear can monitor Internet access by a number of criteria including: Client - the IP number of the terminal used The date/time each site is accessed or denied Content Violation - cases where the URL appears in a list denied to the user cast or the DDR limit is exceeded Cast of user

7. Problems Filtering initially too restrictive Inactivity timeout - web mail problems Text in image format Foreign language sites Framed search engine results I-Gear re-licencing problems Access to secure servers

8. Library responsibility for filtering software Pros: We understand the needs of our users Setting changes can be made quickly Use can be monitored Cons: Takes time to learn software

9. Acceptable Use Policy Warning about illegal/offensive material Explanation of library service filtering policy Details of booking procedure Maximum number allowed at a computer Disk virus check procedure Legal disclaimer regarding Internet content

10. Useful References Filtering: Ormes, Sarah: An Introduction to Filtering www.ukoln.ac.uk/public/earl/issuepapers The Library Association: The Use of Filtering Software in Libraries www.la-org.uk/directory/prof_issues/filter.html Acceptable use Policies: Ormes, Sarah: Filtering - Is This The Answer? www.ukoln.ac.uk/public/present/london/policies.htm Public Library and Network Policies (incl. AUP kit) www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk/infra/policies.asp