In Midlothian we used to provide a very basic stand-alone WiFi service in two of our libraries with access to an ADSL controlled by a Bluesocket Internet gateway device - this failed over a year ago.
Since then, our Council IT colleagues have been working to develop a Wifi solution integrated with our PN provision whereby access to the service is enabled and authenticated by our iCAM PC booking system and Internet traffic is filtered by Websense in the same way as our public access PCs are (i.e. at child, teenage and adult levels).
However, they have run into problems. Apparently the issues are not specifically to do with wireless itself but the way the proxy and web filtering work. They have spoken to a number of third party providers and although all provide wireless access, the issues around web filtering still apply. They tell me they cannot find anyone who can provide for multiple levels of filtering according to the category of user.
I am sure I recall reading of other services who have successfully implemented the type of system we require and would be most grateful to learn of your experiences.
Thanks,
Sandy Winton
Midlothian Council Library Service
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