The Travelin' Librarian

Free WiFi at BOI
Originally uploaded by travelinlibrarian.

This made me very happy this morning.

My visit to the Post Falls Public Library was very enjoyable although I did find some of the things I learned there somewhat confusing…

The library does offer both filtered and unfilterd computers per library board policy. In order to use one of the unfiltered computers you must have a library card, be at least 18, and sign the acceptable use policy. Much to my amazement, anyone can get a library card here. All you need to do is present proof of your current address and the library card of your home library. So, I presented my Aurora library card and my driver’s license and was given a Post Falls PL library card. (I’ll be scanning it once I get back home.) Had I wished (I was off to the concert at this point) I could have then signed their acceptable use policy and received full access to their unfiltered Internet terminals. After recent experiences, I was surprised and elated by such a policy.

I also discovered that the library offered open WiFi for the public. This however is where I become somewhat confused. The WiFi is filtered and there’s no way around it despite your age or patron status. In this case the library board is worried that someone under the age of 18 will come into the library with their own laptop and get unfilterd access to the Internet. In this case I guess I understand the logic, but in “solving” one problem, you create another. It potentially forces those with their own equipment to have to use library equipment when on of the central points of offering WiFi in the library is to relieve some of the demand on the library’s computers.

Overall, I enjoyed meeting all of the Post Falls staff and applaud them of their willingness to give anyone a library card. Photos of the library can be found in my flickr account.