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GPLS Web Access Management Project FAQ

  1. Do I have to participate in the statewide Web Access Management Project (WAM)?
  2. May I change my mind about my level of participation at a later date?
  3. Does CIPA require the filtering of library staff computers?
  4. What is the name of the software being used for WAM?
  5. I want to filter content, but I want to run my own filtering server and software. May I do that?
  6. What methodology does the filtering software use?
  7. What are the categories of filtering available?
  8. Is there a way to ascertain the SmartFilter category of a particular Web site?
  9. What if I think a Web site should have its categorization changed?
  10. Is the Evergreen Web-based Public Access Catalog Filtered?
  11. Will I need to make configuration changes in the web browsers of the computers I wish to filter?
  12. What web browsers are supported?
  13. What steps can I take to prepare for WAM?
  14. How configurable is the software?
  15. What happens if a patron tries to access a site that is in one of my blocked categories?
  16. What if I have a computer that needs to temporarily bypass filtering?
  17. How do I access the bypass proxy?
  18. The setting process for the bypass proxy seems very manual. Is there a way to automate this?
  19. WAM filtering seems to be blocking access to subscription information services that use IP address-based authentication. What should I do?
  20. Are there any additional benefits to the hardware that was installed for the filtering project?
  21. What happens if the system fails?
  22. Are there any options besides blocking Web sites?
  23. Where can I find additional information on CIPA?
  24. Where do I go if I need help with WAM-related issues?

1. Do I have to participate in the statewide Web Access Management Project (WAM)?

No, taking part is voluntary. However, under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), eligibility for both E-rate discounts and certain LSTA grants is contingent on filtering.

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2. May I change my mind about my level of participation at a later date?

Yes. Each library system may revisit and revise the decision at any time. However, to remain eligible for E-rate discounts and LSTA funds, you must be compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

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3. Does CIPA require the filtering of library staff computers?

Neither CIPA, nor the Supreme Court ruling concerning CIPA, make any distinction between staff and public computers.

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4. What is the name of the software being used for WAM?

GPLS uses SmartFilter® by Secure Computing. SmartFilter® is already in use with many libraries throughout the state

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5. I want to filter content, but I want to run my own filtering server and software. May I do that?

Yes. Note also that you may, if you wish, run SmartFilter® under the umbrella of the statewide license.

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6. What methodology does the filtering software use?

SmartFilter®, employs a juried list of sites that is reviewed and updated on a daily basis. Categories are assigned to sites, and users choose which categories they wish to block.

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7. What are the categories of filtering available?

A listing and brief description of SmartFilter’s® blocking categories can be found at: http://www.securecomputing.com/index.cfm?sKey=86#categories

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8. Is there a way to ascertain the SmartFilter category of a particular Web site?

Yes, SmartFilter® gives this information in the “SmartFilterWhere URL Checker” section of its web site:
http://www.securecomputing.com/sfwhere/?lang=en

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9. What if I think a Web site should have its categorization changed?

After checking its current category, you can submit a suggestion for change. This is done at:
http://www.securecomputing.com/sfwhere/index.cfm

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10. Is the Evergreen Web-based Public Access Catalog Filtered?

No. Evergreen OPAC traffic completely bypasses the WAM filtering system.

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11. Will I need to make configuration changes in the web browsers of the computers I wish to filter?

No. Filtering is transparent to the client computer

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12. What web browsers are supported?

Filtering is transparent, so any Web browser may be used.

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13. What steps can I take to prepare for WAM?

It is extremely helpful to arrange the computers into blocks of contiguous IP addresses. This allows the flexibility should you wish to assign computers to filtering groups (e.g. Adult, Children, Staff). Note that, to make this happen, your firewall would need to be configured appropriately.

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14. How configurable is the software?

The software can specify individual filter settings down to a single IP address. However we strongly recommend that you group your computers via IP address to aid in the management and enforcement of your filtering policies.

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15. What happens if a patron tries to access a site that is in one of my blocked categories?

The system will return a “forbidden” message that includes the category of the blocked page.

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16. What if I have a computer that needs to temporarily bypass filtering?

GPLS has set up a bypassing proxy server that allows temporary unfiltered web access. This can be accomplished by configuring a bypass proxy server into the computer’s web browser settings.

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17. How do I access the bypass proxy?

The following instructions apply to Internet Explorer. Other web browsers have equivalent procedures:

Keep in mind that the computer will be unfiltered until this change is reversed. We do not recommend leaving a computer pointing to the bypass proxy for extended periods.

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18. The setting process for the bypass proxy seems very manual. Is there a way to automate this?

There are three ways to automate this process. If you are using the Gates Foundation security model you can create a new profile that can contain the bypass proxy settings. GPLS and several volunteer library systems are currently using an application that would allow for automating the switching between filtered and unfiltered access. If you wish to use this application, please contact http://www.help.georgialibraries.org. The third method is to employ software such as PC Reservation to handle the switching process

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19. WAM filtering seems to be blocking access to subscription information services that use IP address-based authentication. What should I do?

If you determine that the WAM Content Engine is impeding access to your databases, please open a help desk ticket giving details. Be certain to include the IP addresses of the provider’s database servers.

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20. Are there any additional benefits to the hardware that was installed for the filtering project?

Yes, in addition to providing a performance boost by caching requested Web content, the hardware also caches streaming video, such as Windows Media and Real Player content.

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21. What happens if the system fails?

In the event of failure, filtering will cease. The system is actively monitored to ensure maximum availability.

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22. Are there any options besides blocking Web sites?

Yes, SmartFilter® has the ability to delay the display of a site for up to 30 seconds. There is also the capability to limit the downloading of executable files via http to prevent patrons from installing unwanted applications on library computers. Sites that use an executable filename in a URL can be inadvertently blocked.

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23. Where can I find additional information on CIPA?

For additional information on CIPA as it pertains to libraries, please visit the ALA site: -http://www.ala.org/cipa

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24. Where do I go if I need help with WAM-related issues?

Please open a ticket on the GPLS HelpDesk System: - http://help.georgialibraries.org Tel: 404-235-7210 (1-877-GPLSHELP)

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