The Kanguard service has provided Internet content filtering for Kansas public libraries at no cost since 2003. In the coming weeks, Kanguard will undergo a major transformation that will continue to provide content filtering that meets the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Since its inception, Kanguard has operated through the use of a proxy server to screen Internet content using the Squidguard filtering software. That server is hosted by the Kansas Research and Education Network (KanREN). However, the cost of increased Internet bandwidth required to support Kanguard and the slow response time sometimes experienced have led to a decision to move Kanguard to the OpenDNS platform, a commercial filtering solution that is available free to libraries. This will be a much more efficient and flexible way to deliver the Kanguard service. These are some of the key points to know about the “new Kanguard.”
- Kanguard/OpenDNS will continue to provide CIPA compliant filtering for all public libraries that choose to participate. (OpenDNS “Basic” service is also available to schools at no cost but due to differences in filtering level preferences, schools will not receive service through Kanguard. Schools may subscribe directly at http://www.opendns.com)
- The current Kanguard/Squidguard server will cease operations on June 1, 2010.
- The Kanguard review committee will continue to review requests for addition/removal of sites to the filtering black list. However the final decision on blocking sites will be made through a vote of the global OpenDNS user community. (Libraries may submit requests for list changes directly to http://domain.opendns.com if they prefer to bypass the Kansas review committee.)
- Filtering on library computers can be disabled by library staff upon request by a patron. However, access to a library’s wireless access point by a patron owned computer will be filtered in all cases.
- Online ads will appear if, and only if, the user seeks to access a web site URL that does not exist, or that is blocked by the OpenDNS black list. That advertising revenue is what enables OpenDNS to provide this service free to libraries.
- OpenDNS has been tested extensively by libraries in the Southwest Kansas Library System. Included is an explanation of the deployment of OpenDNS in those libraries, and a product data sheet from OpenDNS.
- Coordination/management of Kanguard/OpenDNS will be performed by regional library systems. The Northeast Kansas Library System will no longer be responsible for statewide Kanguard management.
(The above information first appeared in a kanlib-l email sent by Jim on February 17, 2010)
The NEKLS plan for deploying OpenDNS involves disabling the current browser proxy settings on all library computers, setting up the OpenDNS account settings and providing each library with a “Key to Unfiltered Internet,” otherwise known as a USB drive with an executable script that disables OpenDNS until the computer is rebooted. Thatcher and Liz will schedule library visits in April to facilitate the deployment at libraries without on-site or contracted technical support. Libraries with on-site or contracted technical support can contact the office for additional information about OpenDNS deployment.
Please Note: If you have additional technical support issues that can be addressed during the OpenDNS visit, send those to Thatcher by email as soon as possible so he can plan accordingly.
