Information for Users About Open Access Computers
1. What is the difference between an open access computer and authenticated computer?The open access computers provide access to MNCAT (our online catalog), licensed databases, and most World Wide Web sites including federal and state government sites. Blocklists have been installed on open access computers in Wilson Library to prohibit access to free e-mail, chat and gaming sites. Any patron may use the open access computers without supplying identification.
An authenticated computer provides access to LUMINA (our digital library gateway) as well as the full Internet without any blocking. Only current students, staff and faculty may use the authenticated workstations.
2. Why did we decide to authenticate and install blocklists?
We experienced a growing number of complaints that computers in Wilson Library were not available for our primary users or for researchers visiting the library from outside the University. Non-University users were monopolizing the majority of the computers and were using them for long periods of time to do personal email, chat and gaming. This is not a change in policy. We have posted signs for several years indicating that computers are reserved for research and that personal e-mail, chat and gaming are prohibited.
3. How many open access terminals are there, and how do I find them?
Currently there are 60 public computers in Wilson Library of which 20 are open access workstations. They can be identified by yellow dots on the monitors. There are open access computers on each floor in the library. All of these open access computers have block lists installed.
4. How do the blocklists work?
The blocklists prevent access to sites identified on the list. Library staff will monitor and update the list as necessary. When a user tries to access a prohibited site, a window pops up with an "access restricted" notice.
5. What does "authenticate" mean and who can authenticate?
In this case, "authenticate" means to verify the identity of authorized users. Persons who have a current University of Minnesota User ID and password will be able to authenticate; this means all current students, faculty and staff.
6. How do people authenticate?
They supply their University of Minnesota X.500 User ID (also called an Internet ID) and password.
7. When I authenticate, will the University be tracking my research on the workstation?
No, the authentication software only verifies that the User ID and password are present in the University's X.500 database. It does not keep track of anyone's search history or even remember who is using the computer during the authenticated session.
8. Why aren't all taxpayers or U of MN alumni who support the University of Minnesota given the same access to library resources, computers, and the Internet?
University of Minnesota staff and students receive a User Id and password and open access to the Internet as part of the benefits received for paying tuition or working at the University. All users have access to the collection of the University of Minnesota Libraries through LUMINA. They also have access to our licensed databases when they are in the libraries. This includes access to over six million volumes in the University of Minnesota Libraries and more than 200 research databases containing thousands of articles. Additionally, all users have access to federal and state government websites. This access is the same whether the user is on an open access computer or an authenticated computer.
9. Why can't I have open access the Internet now when I could before?
Only current students, staff and faculty have open access to the full Internet. The authentication and blocking procedures are primarily security measures intended to prevent abuse of the Libraries' computers. See the University policy on "Appropriate Use of Computer Workstations and Electronic Resources" at http://www.lib.umn.edu/appuse.phtml.
10. What if I really need access to a blocked web site? How can I access it if I cannot authenticate?
Check with the staff at a library service desk for assistance. They assist users in locating information on the Internet. They can take suggestions for specific sites, which may be deemed appropriate to remove from the blocklists.
11. I have a library card, does that mean I can get an Internet account in order to authenticate?
No. The University Libraries' borrower card allows individuals to borrow library materials; it does not provide the opportunity for users to get mail accounts.
12. Can I buy a University of Minnesota User ID and Password?
No. The ID and password are issued to current University of Minnesota students, faculty and staff who have agreed to the University's appropriate use policies and paid the required fees. Because of the costs associated with providing computer services, and the need to ensure the best possible response times for our large University user base, e-mail accounts are not offered to patrons who are not current students, faculty and staff.
13. Is there a time limit on my use of open access computers or authenticated computers?
There is no time limit on most computers, but we ask that users respect the needs of other users if a waiting line develops. The two Open Access terminals in the basement and one computer on the the second and third floors of Wilson Library have a five minute limits and should be used only for quick research like a brief search of the Libraries catalog. If staff ask a user to leave and he/she does not comply, they will notify the security monitor or call 911. There is a "time-out" on authenticated computers. If no keystrokes are made for a period of five minutes, the terminal will attempt log off automatically.
14. Can I e-mail articles from computers when using databases such as Lexis-Nexis or MNCAT?
Yes, it is possible to e-mail articles from those databases that provide such functionality. E-mailing articles from such databases works on all the workstations.
15. Where can I get open access to the Internet if not here?
Many public libraries provide Internet access to community users. Library staff will help identify the public library most convenient for user's needs. In the immediate area, the Franklin Branch of the Minneapolis Public Library, [612-630-6811] and the Brian Coyle Community Center, [612) 338-5282] have computer labs. They also provide homework help. Ask at the reference desk for a more complete list. See our FAQ database on LUMINA [http://faq.lib.umn.edu/public/PubAccess.pl --search for "homework"].
Please note: The Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) provides access to many periodical databases similar to those of the University Libraries. All registered public library users can use ELM. See our Free Indexes web page on LUMINA Articles and More [http://www.lib.umn.edu/articles/free.phtml] for links and more information,
16. Who is responsible for making the decision to install blocklists on the open access workstations?
The University Libraries' Leadership Council made this decision in December 2002.
17. Where can I go to express concerns about this policy?
Concerns and complaints should be directed to Kay Kane, k-kane@umn.edu or 612-626-8790, fill out a comments form available at the Circulation Desk.