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We are facing the prosaic problem of protecting a PC and its contents.  In this
case it is a desktop GIS-dedicated IBM PC hardware, software and the project
files made by students.
 
Wanted is a way to allow legitimate users full access to our equipment and
their projects during all hours the library is open -- including weekends and
evenings.  I hope to learn what are the common, inexpensive, easily
standardized, non-staff-time-intensive methods of protecting equipment and
files.
 
If your library has PC security experience and you can help, please read on:
 
The GIS PC is situated in a public area, in partial view of the circulation desk.
When library users suggest a need of GIS, a reference specialist interviews
the user to determine which GIS/map data, if any, is best for the need, and
gauge how much assistance the user will need to get started.  The user is
introduced to the directory stucture and file management system on the PC
and allowed to take as much time as needed over the weeks and months.
 
Lately, three to five students and one or two staff/faculty have shared time on
the GIS PC each quarter.  Our library student hourly workers cannot
recognize all "approved" GIS users by sight, and may be pressured to allow
uninitiated library users to use the GIS PC without our interview and PC use
instructions.
 
What mechanisms have worked well for others in similar situations?  We are
considering disconnecting the keyboard and charging that to users at each
use; installing a password gateway; relocating the PC in a staffed area
(arrgh).  Any good experiences and advice -- Thanks!
 
Sincerely, JK
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Joseph K. Herro
Branner Earth Sciences Library & Map Collections
Mitchell Building   mc 2210
Stanford, CA  94305-2174
[log in to unmask]
415.725.1103 tel
415.725.2534 fax
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