Newport News Public Library System Transitions To Secure Public Access Kiosks
Public Access Kiosks Public libraries have dealt with the issue of public access computing for many years. The struggle between safe computing usage and access to information will likely not go away. Newport News Public Library System dealt with this conflict by providing computer kiosks that exclusively access their online catalog, providing safe and secure browsing with access to the libraries’ extensive online and offline collection.
Safe, Easy, & Secure Public Computing Access
The Newport News Public Library System sought to provide library users with a safe, easy, and secure way to search the library’s online catalog. The intention was to supply public access computer kiosks for users at four locations. Because the catalog is available online, no particular application or software needed to be utilized. Instead, the computers could be set to browse the web, enabling users to pull up the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) without the need for additional programming. The primary concern of librarians and the technical team was how to secure the computers to protect user privacy, while also ensuring that the computer stations were not used for other non-catalog searching purposes. Additionally, the public access stations needed to be protected from malicious code being deliberately or mistakenly installed on the devices, infecting all of the library’s networked devices.
The computer kiosks were installed at Pearl Bailey Library, Main Street Library, Virgil I. Grissom Library, and South Morrison Family Education Center. The kiosk hardware was integrated within the Newport News system with aid from Library Information Technology Analysts James Messimer and Dave Summers. KioWare system software was used to provide OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) browsing stations without the network security risk inherent in allowing internet browsing on public computers. Using a standard Dell all-in-one PC with Touch Technology, the computer stations allow users to enjoy a bookstore like feel while searching for library materials.
Public Access Computing Stations
Fifteen computer kiosk stations were installed at the four public library locations. The kiosks were configured to access the Newport News Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) website at newportnewslib.org. KioWare was configured to limit usage to only OPAC specific web pages. Future plans may include expanding the kiosk deployment into tablet devices and mobile browsing stations, increasing availability of the stations (and the catalog) for users throughout the library system. According to Alexandria Payne, the Digital Services Manager for Newport News Public Libraries, “KioWare has allowed our department to focus more on touch technology integration within our standard public services delivery model. Through KioWare, the management, or “how to” aspect is made effortless, and staff can focus on actually implementing and using the technology to better effect. The library can simply offer access without undue restrictions placed in an attempt to alleviate security concerns, ultimately accomplishing a core strategic objective.”