Filtering Survey Results

We received 23 responses to our Filtering Survey, targeting school librarians. From those 23, 13 different filtering software programs are used: Bess, Cybernot, Cyberpatrol, Deep Freeze, JoeBox Firewalls (MEC), MEC Technology Systems, Sentian, Sonic Wall, Surf Control, Symantic Web, Watch Guard, We-Blocker, and Websense.

The results showed that most Library Media Center computers are filtered with few exceptions. Some exceptions were a staff computer or those computers in a private school. Regarding the questions about the block list, there were fairly dramatic responses. For example, some folks have received a block list and some haven't from Websense. Regarding the same filter, some were able to disable the filter; some were not.

As to interfering with student research, 9 of the 13 filters were reported such interference. Most of the filter users reported being "Satisfied" or "Very Satisfied" with their filters, given that they were obligated to do so. There were 2 "Not Satisfieds" with two different filters.

Filtering Results - Page 1:
http://www.nmrls.org/ surveys/filtering_survey_results1.html

Filtering Results: - Page 2:
http://www.nmrls.org/surveys/filtering_survey_results2.html

Filtering Comments:
http://www.nmrls.org/surveys/filtering_survey_comments.html