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.
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).
Neither CIPA, nor the Supreme Court ruling concerning CIPA, make any distinction between staff and public computers.
GPLS uses SmartFilter® by Secure Computing. SmartFilter® is already in use with many libraries throughout the state
Yes. Note also that you may, if you wish, run SmartFilter® under the umbrella of the statewide license.
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.
A listing and brief description of SmartFilter’s® blocking categories can be found at: http://www.trustedsource.org/urlcheck/
Yes, SmartFilter® gives this information in the “SmartFilterWhere URL Checker” section of its web site:
http://www.trustedsource.org/urlcheck/
After checking its current category, you can submit a suggestion for change. This is done at:
http://www.trustedsource.org/urlcheck/
No. Evergreen OPAC traffic completely bypasses the WAM filtering system.
No. Filtering is transparent to the client computer
Filtering is transparent, so any Web browser may be used.
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.
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.
The system will return a “forbidden” message that includes the category of the blocked page.
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.
Authorized staff in Georgia public libraries may access bypass instructions at the secure GPLS HelpDesk System.
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 the GPLS HelpDesk System. The third method is to employ software such as PC Reservation to handle the switching process
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.
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.
In the event of failure, filtering will cease. The system is actively monitored to ensure maximum availability.
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.
For additional information on CIPA as it pertains to libraries, please visit the ALA CIPA page
Please open a ticket on the GPLS HelpDesk System: - Tel: 404-235-7210 (1-877-GPLSHELP)