Although filters do have problems, they continue to improve rapidly. Net Shepherd Inc., a Calgary based Web developer, is working on a database which rates sites by people, not machines. Mike Kologinske, the vice-president, hopes this will increase confidence in filtering software. Net Shepherd Inc. intends to sell the data to software developers. The more filters improve and the more they include the human touch, the more palatable they will be to both sides.
Filters are one means of controlling access.
Adult supervision is the best method of controlling Internet use. Computer terminals can be located near the circulation desk or just outside the librarian's office. Students can be required to complete a computer responsibility class. Acceptable Use Policies can limit student use to educational purposes or allow them to use the Internet for extracurricular activities. A pro active solution is to provide interesting Web Pages and good Web sites for students to enjoy.