Kanguard and WebSense: New Internet Filtering Choices for Libraries

Kan-ed has announced the availability of a new Internet content filtering service, WebSense, as part of the new Kan-ed 2.0 Internet service. Libraries that are currently using the Kanguard content filtering service will need to choose the filtering option that best meets their needs. These are factors to consider in making that choice:

1. Websense will only be available through the Kan-ed Internet service. Libraries that use a different provider of Internet access will not have access to the WebSense service. Libraries that will be utilizing both Kan-ed and another Internet service provider can only have WebSense available on computers using the Kan-ed Internet connection.
2. Both WebSense and Kanguard will be available at no cost to the library, and both services allow libraries to comply with the filtering requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
3. WebSense will generally not allow libraries to request removal of web sites from the WebSense black and white lists that control access to the Internet. Kan-ed’s position is stated as follows: “Kan-ed will not be doing manual changes to the white or black lists.  Manual changes, in fact, may result in non-CIPA compliance and could degrade the performance of the application.  Only
   in extreme cases will we adjust the black and white lists manually.” Libraries that value the ability to request addition or deletion of web sites to correct overblocking and underblocking should consider this issue. It is a core value of the Kanguard service that libraries should be able to request review of blocked sites.
4. It is possible that Websense will provide faster Internet response time than Kanguard. Libraries that are experiencing slow Internet speed when using Kanguard should consider that issue.

Kanguard will continue to be available for libraries choosing to use that service. Libraries are entirely free to choose Kanguard, WebSense, another filtering solution (or no filtering service if the library chooses to be ineligible for e-rate funding). Jim, Sharon and Liz are availble at the NEKLS headquarters to answer any questions about selection of the most appropriate filtering solution.