Content Filtering Software for the Library Some organizations that provide publi

Question

Content Filtering Software for the Library

Some organizations that provide public Internet access, such as schools, libraries, and churches, may want to make sure that webpages displayed or downloaded from the Internet have appropriate content for their clients, including young children. As a user support specialist at a local library, you need to learn about software utility programs that are available to filter Internet content. Research this category and then write a memo to the head librarian that explains how content filtering software works. In your memo, describe the pros and cons of using content filter utilities as a tool in a library.

Explanation / Answer

Content filtering is a piece of hardware which acts as a protective layer or shield between the Internet and the user's computer. It blocks access of objectionable, questionable content. Content filtering works by applying the rules on the character strings which when matched with the user's entered data can block the access. The filter can be applied at website level, type of entered data level, type of keywords used etc. Generally, the access is blocked to adult content, violence, gambling, peer to peer file sharing etc. Also, the access to the compromised sites can be blocked, hence, preventing infection to spread to staff and student's devices.

There are certain advantages of using a content filter utilities as a tool in the library:

1) Malwares which can be installed on the user's computers will be reduced.

2) The outrageous content will not be accessible to student's thus preventing them from impulsive actions.

3) We can enable access to only education-related stuff which will help students to spend less time on social networking sites.

4) The adult content can be blocked which could be used for spoiling student's mindset.

However, just like every coin has two faces, content filtering also has its cons associated with it. Content filtering can be used to block the content which could be otherwise used for educational or research purposes. For example, if content filtering tool blocks the keyword 'breast' because of adult content, nothing can be accessed related to it even if someone is trying to conduct legitimate research on breast cancer or tumor.

Eventually, content filtering tool has to be used very carefully so that the access to questionable content is blocked along with providing user's access to the content which could be helpful for their research and studies.

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