Acceptable Use Policy and Safety

 Acceptable Use Policies for Technology (AUP)

AUPs in Schools

Acceptable use policies (AUP) play a crucial role in promoting responsible, secure, and productive use of technology resources provided by an institution. I remember the acceptable use policies for technology when I was teaching, and they were student-centric. The policy focused on what students could not access and how they should behave when using school technology. It also did not include anything about using AI tools, as they were not as popular or developed when I was teaching. Teachers and administrators had access to a monitoring tool called Go Guardian, which allowed them to monitor the websites students accessed in the classroom. The tool permitted teachers to block certain websites, send messages or video call students, close tabs, open websites for students and set alerts when students attempted to access blocked websites. This tool prevented students from accessing unsafe websites, but it was not a substitute for having a conversation with students about staying safe online.

Image captured from Go Guardian website

AUPs at Public Libraries 

This had me thinking about acceptable use policies for technology at public libraries. I scoured my library's website but could not find a policy listed. There are guidelines for computer lab usage displayed near the computer lab. The guidelines only focus on what librarians cannot do, such as typing for someone, providing grammar checks, or creating documents for a patron. The library patron computers do have special software installed that would prohibit patrons from downloading certain documents or accessing websites blocked by the computer's filter. Patrons won't know if a website can be accessed unless they try it.

I did find an Acceptable Use Policy for technology for the Schiller Park Library. I was surprised that they require a signature that is legally binding that states that they read the policy in order to utilized the library's computers. The website states " The failure of any user to follow these procedures may result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action." The acceptable use policy is broken down into ten categories. 

• The role of the internet- reiterates that the use of the library internet is a privilege not a right.
• Accuracy of information- states the library is not responsible for information obtained from the internet.
• Registration- only patrons with a library card and identification can access the computers.
• Staff assistance- states librarians cannot provide extensive one on one assistance. 
• Acceptable use- states patrons can only use the computers for research purposes only and states a long list of things patrons cannot do while using the computers. This section focuses on what patrons cannot do and does not mention staff. 
• Availability- states patrons can access the computers one hour per day.
• Use of equipment- describes the computer's filtering software.
• Youth computers- states that it is the parents responsibility to monitor their child's internet use.
• Privacy- states the library cannot ensure the privacy of patrons while viewing the computers

The policy does not state acceptable use for librarians on its website. I imagine they have a separate policy as we do in our library. There is also no mention of AI usage in the computers which is something I think needs to be added due to the advancement in AI technology. 

Image created by Jasmine Monroe of the Schiller Park's library website. 

How does this tie in with online safety?

   

Libraries attempt to keep us safe by outlying rules in their policies. However, as the library above states they cannot guarantee our privacy. There are many ways in which our information can be leaked and our accounts can be hacked simply by clicking on the wrong link, not having secure passwords, or sharing too much personal information online.

Ever wonder if your email has been compromised? There is a website that would inform you if your email has been compromised or your email addressed has been obtained through data breaches from a website you have visited. This is a great tool to help prevent the continued spread of your information. One can change their e-mail address and/or password if their email has been compromised.

Image provided by Jasmine Monroe

How to make your password more secure

I am sure we have all heard the "don't make your password: password". As silly as this sounds many of us do not make our passwords more secure. The Use a Passphrase Website 

provides a useful tool to generate a password phrase. The website states that in less than one second 30% of passwords can be cracked because humans base their passwords on memorable words, events, dates. 

A hacker can easily crack your password if your password has your dogs name rather than a passphrase. Trixy21! is easy to remember but even easier to hack. Whereas "passage sitting animating maritime" would take an approximate crack time of 347,431,361 centuries. 

I encourage you to try the passphrase generator to get an idea of what type of password you should be using not just for your email address but for all of your accounts. 

Image provided by Jasmine Monroe