So, not to belabor a point, but the final post in this “man gets hassled by cops for using WiFi outside of a closed library” is up. In a weird turn, the Atheneum has now posted a policy saying, in essence, their WiFi hotspot isn’t supposed to be used when the library is closed. Am I missing something here? Isn’t it easy enough to just shut it down if you don’t want it to be used? Or password protect it after hours? Are the police going to enforce this policy? Is there any legal precedent for that? What’s going to happen when the whole island becomes a hotspot? Or is this enforcement of free WiFi supposed to drive people towards the pay services? I’d be really interested to hear from librarians who offer WiFi: What is your policy for patrons using WiFi 1) outside the library, and additionally 2) when the library isn’t open? Thanks.
Month: August 2004
smartfilter not so smart
Cardiff libraries [in Wales, in the UK] finds that patrons can not get to the web page for the city’s Mardi Gras event because SmartFilter — the same filter mandated in all of Georgia’s schools and libraries — thinks that the site is pornography. The site URL does have the word “gay” in it, though the page itself is completely family friendly. Librarian.net is characterized as “politics/opinion” by the newer SmartFilter and “politics/religion” by the older version. Check your own URL. [infothought]
follow up on yesterday’s wifi access denied story
More from the fellow who was told by the police to not use his laptop + WiFi outside of the Nantucket Athenaeum. [lisnews]
library of unwritten books, redux
I had a post a few weeks ago about the Library of Unwritten Books project. Apparently, it has its own website. If you’re in England or Scotland, keep your eyes open for their book-boxes. [thanks owen]
WiFi, free or not free
Man gets hassled by the police for using library’s WiFi while seated outside the library. Apparently you need to be inside to use the wireless signal, so said the policeman anyhow. As you know, I have also been guilty of this, slap the cuffs on! [update: this guy didn’t seem to have any problem doing the same thing…] [thanks shannon]