[1259] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
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daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Jerry V. Caswell)
Mon Sep 21 12:48:58 1992
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 1992 11:16:49 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
From: "Jerry V. Caswell" <LB.JVC%ISUMVS.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Last winter Iowa State University Library mounted an indexing database on
its library system as part of a cooperative project with several other
institutions. In order to simplify access the database was left without
security. The database's producer was willing to be flexible in this regard
providing that no one broadcast its availability in print or on the network.
Unfortunately a researcher at a neighboring institution did just that over
his/her professional list. So we were obligated to institute security and
set up access codes for users at the participating institutions.
Yes, there are circumstances where institutions put things on the
network without intending them to be used by the whole world. While
security controls generally work well in a single institutional environment,
they are neither convenient nor easy to manage in a multi-institutional
framework.
So, if there is doubt about whether a resource is intended for the general
public, please inquire. As academic institutions, we prefer to lean in the
direction of openess and minimal control. But if forced to do so, we will
institute whatever controls we have to, to honor our obligations.
****************************************************************************
* Jerry V. Caswell * Bitnet: LB$JVC@ISUMVS *
* Assistant Director * Internet: LB$JVC@ISUMVS.IASTATE.EDU *
* for Automated Systems * *
* Iowa State University Library * Phone: (515) 294-5704 *
* Ames, IA 50011-2140 * FAX: (515) 294-1885 *
****************************************************************************
