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This article describes the public computing center project initiated by the Charles County Public Library (CCPL) in Maryland to address the nation's digital divide. It also discusses public computer and broadband Internet access as a popular service offered by public libraries, the challenges of expanding public computer and broadband access in a library system, and the assumptions and opportunities that have guided the project. The article also details how a public computer center works and outlines the benefits of the effort.

The article offers information on two conferences in Monterey, California, about Internet access for libraries, including The Internet Conference and Exhibition for Librarians and Information Managers to be held from October 29 to 31, 2007 and a event titled What's Happening in IL Space?, which takes place on October 28, 2007.

The author argues that the technologies branded as Web 2.0 risks hampering the true potential of the Web by casting a particular approach or subset of technologies as preferred. He claims that while the technologies represent a positive step in the evolution of the Web, they are but an incremental shift in a much larger continuum of progress. He also sees the evolution of the Web as gradual and nowhere near complete.

The article offers tips on protecting public access computers and their users from computer hackers. According to the author, the first line of defense is its operating system (OS) and the indispensable security software such as firewalls and software to fight malware. Librarians are advised to always enable the auto-update of patches and anti-malware definitions, probably a couple of times a week. They also have to look for third-party utilities that are specially designed to enhance the security of the workstation.

The article provides information on implementing and maintaining wireless access in libraries. Wireless technology changes rapidly, thus it is important to stay current with the changes, specially in updating the specifics of implementing wireless technology in libraries. This is because patrons encounter technology in their lives outside the library and expect services in the libraries to be equal to those they employ at work and at home. Several resources are cited in the article that should prove useful to librarians following developments in wireless technology.

This article presents results of a survey on how Indiana's public libraries allow the citizens they serve access to the Internet. From the survey responses, it is clear that many Indiana libraries follow the national trend in restricting patrons on their use of public computers. However, a few of the responding libraries hold different perspectives. While some library managers feel it is within their purview to set limitations, others insist that patrons be responsible for themselves. Some librarians believe they must uphold their community's conservative values and use filtering software, others view filtering as intrusive and unnecessary. Staff members at public libraries contend with First Amendment issues on a daily basis. To help them deal with these difficult issues, it is important to provide up-to-date information on new filtering software and to discuss what software can and cannot do. It is also important to determine the Internet usage needs of library patrons and to discuss ways to facilitate their needs while preserving library policies. While it is apparent that no single policy could possibly serve all the needs of the varied public libraries in Indiana, further research and discussion about which policies work and why would benefit both libraries and patrons.

This article discusses the protection of user privacy in the age of digital libraries in the U.S. The topic of privacy regulations is complex at best, but research yielded three key insights. First, there is a host of legislation at both the federal and state level that applies to the users' privacy issues. At the federal level, the Privacy Act of 1974, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and Children's On-line Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) are of interest to libraries. The Privacy Act of 1974 was passed in order to control the federal government's collection, use, and dissemination of sensitive personal information. FERPA is a law that requires educational institutions to protect students' privacy with regard to educational records, while COPPA prohibits Web sites from collecting personal information from children under the age of 13 without the consent of their parents. However, research suggested that this legislation is most pertinent to libraries. Second, the Library Bill of Rights and the American Library Association (ALA) Code of Ethics both have strong statements regarding libraries and a librarian's responsibilities to user privacy. The Library Bill of Rights implies that privacy needs to be protected by libraries. This is because users lose their freedom of inquiry if their privacy is not guaranteed. Furthermore, the ALA Code of Ethics makes a more direct statement regarding libraries and privacy: We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted. Third, beyond the legislative realm, libraries need to pay attention to privacy issues because they are part of the greater landscape of the Internet, and most commercial Web sites have some sort of privacy statement and policies.

The article presents information on various public access computer software management tools for use in libraries. The Web is very popular with library patrons. As a result, they will attempt to use every available computer for general Web access. Sometimes, these can be computers designated for online catalogs or licensed database use only. Public Web Browser (PWB) from TeamSoftware Solutions controls Web browser sessions. PWB replaces the Internet Explorer interface with an interface that is highly configurable. It allows users to specify sites that can or cannot be accessed via the browser. Running anti-spyware software on a system for the first time can be an enlightening experience. Free anti-spyware software can be downloaded from several sites. Microsoft has developed a patch management tool called Software Update Services. It is used to deploy critical Windows updates throughout the library. Meanwhile, EnvisionWare's PC Reservation software controls patron access to public access computers. It can work to authenticate patrons prior to granting access to computer. It can be configured for use in a patron self-service mode or a staff-managed mode. It even supports making reservations via the Web or telephone.

The article describes how Coquitlam Public Library in British Columbia moved its public access computers (PAC) from a Windows-based to a Linux-based operating system in 2003. In the mid-1990s the library started offering PAC to its patrons by using an Industry Canada Community Access Program grant and funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Over the years, the library managed to afford a few replacements but could not keep up with the general wear and tear and changes in technology. In 2003, the head of the library's systems department attended a conference in Toronto where she saw a demonstration of DiscoverStation, a Linux-based public access solution developed by Userful. One of DiscoverStation's most interesting features is that it allows up to 10 people to work independently from a single computer. The system is built specifically for public access use in libraries. The library decided to adopt DiscoverStation, and after the evaluation period, it made a 3-year commitment to DiscoverStation and purchased four computers to support 20 stations. In late December 2003, each branch of the library got one six-station box and one four-station box. A Userful representative was present to help in the set up and installation, and to do some initial staff training after the stations were ready.

The residents of King Country, Washington, who turn to the justice system for help face many challenges. They must overcome barriers linked to information and legal literacy, economic limits, and access to computers and the Internet. There's been an explosion of available resources on the Web, but many come to the King County Law Library for help because they do not have Internet access at home. In Washington, county law libraries derive their authority from the state Legislature and operate as special districts. As a public law library, we provide access to legal information to judges, government officials, attorneys, and members of the general public.We believed that opening a training center would accomplish a number of goals and objectives, including fulfilling goals in the library's strategic and technological plans to enhance the role of the library's staff as teachers and trainers, to provide a setting for formal and informal learning opportunities geared to the needs of self-represented litigants, and to make the resources of the library's Web site available for patrons to use in-house as well as from remote locations.

Focuses on a visit to Native American libraries in New Mexico. Experience of the authors meeting tribal librarians, leaders, and community members; Issue of barriers to technology and Internet access for tribal libraries; Efforts to preserve tribal culture and language; Details of the Native American Access to Technology Program (NAATP); Impact of grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Offers observations on maximizing Internet access to libraries by using specific Internet domain designations such as .org, .net, and .com. How URL masking works; Use of domain masking during the 2001 National Library Week campaign; Success of the experiment.

The article presents options for libraries on the type of software to use to gain access on the web. For libraries without money or technical staff, the author recommends free and inexpensive Web 2.0 options. The programs are usually free or demand a small fee and require a few technical knowledge. For libraries with technical staff but less money, the open source option is suggested. No cash is needed but the program requires more technical skills and staff time. Buying software is a choice if the library has the cash.

The article offers information on online resources for legal issues that affect libraries. The American Library Association Web site has a page devoted to federal legislative issues such as Internet access, radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, copyright and digital rights management. Librarian and lawyer Bryan M. Carson, has created a Web site that provides documents related to library law. The iTunes service offers a set of links to podcasts from institutions of higher education about legal issues surrounding technology.

This article discusses need of libraries for secure Web sites. Like any other organization that performs its business on the Web, libraries also need the security provided by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). While a library's basic Web site and online catalog functions do not need enhanced security, it is important to use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for the transactions that involve sensitive information. It is also needed when patrons are required to enter personal details such as addresses, telephone numbers, usernames, and/or passwords. Some of the online catalogs on the market today do not use SSL by default, even when processing these personalization features. Administrators of these systems may have to do extra work to ensure that these transactions function securely. Current trends clearly indicate that security threats on the Web will continue to increase and to intensify. To deal with this reality, it is important that librarians make appropriate use of the available technologies in order to protect their patrons' personal information. PKI and digital certificates are just some of the basic components that librarians can employ to strengthen their site's security and to help them earn their patrons' trust.

This article discusses the security of library computers. In 2004, one of the big issues affecting all computer users was security. The frequent reports of new vulnerabilities in operating systems often felt like a never-ending bombardment of bad news. While staying up-to-date on the latest security issues has become essential for all computer users, it is more critical for network managers who are responsible for securing computer workstations and network servers. Yet many systems librarians assumed the job of managing library networks by default and never expected that they would have to become security experts in order to do this successfully. While systems librarians may bear the heaviest responsibility for computer security, all librarians need to be well-in-formed on the subject in order to follow good practices as they use computers and also to be able to assist patrons who are searching for information on this timely topic. The most obvious online source of information on computer security is the Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) Coordination Center, which was established in 1988 at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) of Carnegie Mellon University. CERT is part of the Network Systems Survivability Program of SEI, which seeks to ensure that appropriate technology and systems management practices are used to resist attacks on networked systems and to limit damage and ensure continuity of critical services in spite of successful attacks, accidents, or failures. Internet security alerts are released in conjunction with US-CERT. Another place to learn about network security issues is the Gartner Inc. Web site, which has a section devoted to its research and analysis of security and privacy issues.

This article discusses the use of computers in small libraries. College student patrons make less of a distinction between the physical and the virtual world. These students are online all the time, constantly connected to their cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, e-mail accounts, and chat groups. For these patrons, 24-hours-7-days-a-week communication is now a reality. With these expectations, even small libraries must develop more than just a Web-based presence. The good news is that an ever-growing set of inexpensive tools and techniques can be found that can aid users in interactive Web site development. Weblogs, online newspapers, e-journals, and news portals all seem to be publishing their sites as XML/RSS. E-commerce giants such as Amazon.com and Google are also republishing their information as XML. In a phrase, all this events mean free information to libraries. With all this content floating around in cyberspace, librarians will find ways to harness it for the benefit of their patrons. Many of library patrons see the Web as a viable alternative to the bricks-and-mortar library. If librarians feel threatened by the Web or alternative information providers, their fear is well-founded. It is no secret that the library is no longer the only information provider out there. In the competitive environment, small libraries, above all others, are the most likely to be marginalized. That is because they have captured the imagination and attention of library patrons with some useful technologies. If small libraries are going to survive and thrive in the competitive technological environment, it will not be as a thousand small units but as a unified collaborative.

The article discusses the management of public access computers in libraries. Many of the problems that have risen with the use of technology in the library are actually not new problems. The twist in public access computer management is that computers are capable of doing so much that it is difficult to restrict their use to only library-related functions. A computer that can access the library's online catalog on the Web can also be used to access personal e-mail, download music for a user's private collection, or play games. The struggle of library employees in the U.S. to allocate their computer resources fairly has not gone unnoticed by the general public. Librarians who were early pioneers in bringing information technology to the end user shared their experiences and frustrations through the Public Access Computer System mailing list. While there are some technological solutions to help libraries manage public access computers, the larger problem will remain. There will always be irate patrons unhappy with library computer access policies and procedures. At the end of the day, the best solution may be some library humor. A comprehensive source of library-related humor is the Laugh'n'Links section of the Laughing Librarian Web site.

Presents the experiences of the author as a librarian and a writer for this magazine. Work of the author in writing library policies; Importance of policies to libraries; Role of American Library Association guidelines in many library policies; Mention of Internet access for library users, including children; Issue of privacy for users.

Discusses the four-year life cycle of most library hardware and software. The lack of support for Windows 95 by Microsoft Corp.; Advantages to upgrading operating systems; The uselessness of some upgrades in library systems software; The decreased cost of hardware and the increased cost of software; The issue of centralized management of software. INSET: A Tip for Handling Public Web Browsers.

Comments on a meeting of the board of trustees of the Kitsap Regional Library System in Bremerton, Washington. Expectation of the author that the meeting would be a venue for heated debate about the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA); Opinion that CIPA, which mandates that federally funded libraries implement Internet filters for public access computers, amounts to censorship; Events of the meeting, at which attendees were polite and generally supportive of the library's position on CIPA.

Offers advice to librarians on how to use statistics on patrons' Web use. Statistics which help gauge the usefulness of a library's Web site; The software WebTrends; The use of Web counters.

Discusses the evolution and pervasiveness of the Internet in the United States. Percentage of the U.S. population that has access to the Internet as of September 2000; The origin on the Internet; Forecast for the future of the Web; Opinion that most computers in libraries and corporations in the U.S. are underutilized; How computer users can assist the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI); Critiques of other Internet developments.

The article offers library computer laboratory tips for library employees. A baseline set of expectations should be established to help clarify things between staff and patrons and between staff and management. Information on the laboratory computers could be provided on a special page on the library's website. Additional computer tools can be used by staff members to help them learn about the capabilities of some Internet and technology tools that in turn, would help patrons. Web sites could also explain technology terms to help users understand them.

The article presents technical help for librarians on how to make libraries more welcoming to patrons who speak limited or no English. Software support for multiple languages is described for Microsoft, Apple, and Linux operating systems. The author looks at two aspects of languages and Internet use: the capabilities of Internet browsers and how websites display non-Western alphabets. Suggestions are offered on using online translation tools to make library signs and PC browser homepages for different languages. The author notes the value of knowing the library staff's language competencies and keeping up to date with contact information for libraries around the world. The article also includes a list of links to useful resources.

Discusses the outlook for the use of personal digital assistants (PDA) in libraries. Role of wireless computers in libraries; Effect of technology on libraries; Idea to enable libraries to provide wireless access to PDAs within a certain distance of the library, in order to provide users with access to catalog and Internet access.

The article reports on a new pilot program by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that would help libraries in seven U.S. states bring their Internet connections up-to-speed. It is aimed at ensuring that low-income individuals have access to online job applications and other opportunities. According to T. J. Bucholz, senior program officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, they want to ensure that low-income people, who use the library as their primary source of the Internet, have access to high-speed Internet.

This section offers information on several online articles on the need for computer laboratories in libraries. One discussed on the need for computer labs in educational institutions despite the heavy use of technology by students. Another focused on the MaintainIT Project, a 3-year project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which gathers technology success stories from public libraries. One introduced WebJunction, a website which provide assistance to librarians in libraries that provide public computer access.

A calendar of conferences related to Internet access in libraries for July and September 2007 is presented. The Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Web Services will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah from July 9 to 13. The third annual international Wikimedia conference will be held in Taipei, Taiwan from August 3 to 5. The 7th International Conference on Knowledge Management will be conducted in Graz, Austria from September 5 to 7.

The article highlights some of the issues covered at the Computers in Libraries Conference, held in April 2007 in Arlington, Virginia. Lee Rainie, director of the Pew Internet & American Life Project, points out that Internet links are important for Web site referral. Andy Carvin of National Public Radio made a statement in reference to the surge of social networking software and user-generated content online.

The author comments on the redesigning of libraries by librarians to better accommodate the way groups of people are working with electronic information. Several pieces of advice are presented for librarians who are planning to redesign their physical areas. The author argues that the digital evolution has changed libraries so much that even the U.S. Congress wants to know about it as evidenced by a testimony made by librarian of congress James H. Billington on the topic.

The article reflects on the challenges that the librarians faced with regard to public access computing. It addresses the problems posed by troubleshooting and the lack of workstations. It presents suggestions to enable patrons to use their own wireless computers in libraries. It offers tips on providing more workstations without breaking the library's budget.

This article explains how to create guest users in Horizon 8.0. Horizon 8.0 will have the functionality to allow librarians to issue anonymous, cash-based cards to patrons. Libraries can have a number of different types of guest users, depending on whether the guests want to be completely anonymous or whether they just need temporary privileges. To set up guest users, first, edit the library's location record to permit guest users. Next, create a new loan type for guest users. Then, if librarians want overall statistics about anonymous use, they can create a new user statistical class and link it to the loan type. Using item types and the loan type, librarians can now assign privileges. They will need to determine whether to require a deposit and what other limits may apply. Librarians can now start issuing and using guest cards at their library.

Comments on the legal advice included in this issue of the magazine. Mention of articles which provide information, tips and personal experiences with legal issues related to computers in libraries; Opinion that there remain many unanswered questions in the areas of digital copyright and privacy of electronic information.

Reports that Sagebrush Corp. has announced that its WebManager Suite featuring I-Gear from Symantec Corp. complies with HR4577, The Children's Internet Protection Act. How the software allows school library professionals to evaluate Web sites; Multiple levels of access protection which can be adjusted for age-appropriate content.

Reports that, as of January, 2001, SIRSI Corp. and Northern Light Technology, Inc. have announced an alliance. How the companies will integrate Northern Light's advanced Web search capabilities into SIRSI's iBistro Internet Access Center for libraries; Ability of users to search by Web site, language, country and date range; Contact information.

Focuses on V-Link/LIB, Veicon Technology Inc.'s Internet access device which was specifically designed for library patrons. Library management provided by V-Link/LIB; Terminals which require little maintenance and provide greater security than other PC-based Internet stations.

Notes the release of CybraryN, public access control software from Computers By Design Inc. The ability of the software to allow systems administrators to reduce maintenance of public access computers; Prevention of installation of software, changing of system settings or accessing of restricted files; Other features including the use of Smart Save Technology.

Discusses the StarGazer 1800 from Pivotal Networking, Inc. The support for Internet access, dial-in remote access and other features of this ISDN-based access solution; The device's ability to support up to three analog ports that can be used for connecting conventional analog devices such as telephones and fax machines; Other features.

Reports on the announcement by Computers By Design Inc. of the first-quarter release of an upgraded version of CybraryN. Description of the public-access control solution; Improvements from the old version; An Educational Discount Program, which is a pricing structure designed to help libraries and schools; Source; Web site.