Monday, February 19, 2018

Internet filtering at Winnipeg Public Library –dated November 2000

What is a filter?
A filter is software which controls or limits access to Internet content. Winnipeg Public Library has chosen a filter which blocks chat on all workstations. The Library also blocks access on children’s workstations in subject categories such as hate literature, extreme violence, and explicit sexual content. A filter is not perfect. There is a 5 to 10% chance that the filter might not block material it was set up to filter. 


What type of Internet access does Winnipeg Public Library provide?
All Children’s Internet workstations use filtering software. Some Adult Services Internet workstations also are filtered (but most provide unfiltered Internet access). Children can also use unfiltered Adult Internet workstations. Parents should discuss appropriate Internet use with their children. It is the responsibility of parents to let their children know which workstations they should use at the Library. 

For more information on filters, look at the N2H2 Resource Bar at the bottom of the screen of any filtered workstation.



If I am on a Filtered Workstation what do I do if I have a concern about a site?
You can email N2H2 and ask for a review of the site. (Library staff are not involved in this review.) Just clock on the “Request Review” on the N2H2 Resource Bar at the bottom of the screen and complete the information boxes. 



Where can I look on the Internet for good sites for our family? 
The Winnipeg Public Library’s Web site at http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library is a good place to start. In the Kids and Teens sections there are lots of selected sites. In the Parents section there are sites dedicated to the whole family.

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