VPNs in the library
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-10-2017-0099 |
| Date | 13 November 2017 |
| Published date | 13 November 2017 |
| Pages | 672-674 |
| Author | Bruce Massis |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library & information services |
VPNs in the library
Bruce Massis
Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this study is to examine the use of a virtual private network (VPN) as an
additionalprotective strategy for patrons using librarycomputers.
Design/methodology/approach –This study is a literature review andcommentary on this topic that
has been addressedby professionals,researchers and practitioners.
Findings –Credit must be given to those libraries who have made free VPN services available to their
patrons, thus encouragingoff-site usage of library resources through this extralayer of authentication in an
effort to provide them witha trust level of privacy beyond their standard expectations. Shouldthe library not
provide such a service at present, at least an individual can add a VPN to one’s protective bag of tricks to,
perhaps,in an effort to place even a limited constraint on those who would do them harm whenonline.
Originality/value –The value in exploringthis topic is to provide some context and potential options for
patrons throughtheir use of a VPN.
Keywords Networks, Libraries, Privacy, Security, Protection, Virtual
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
A simple and effective privacy strategy when using a “public”computer in the library, i.e.
using the computer where the internet service provider (ISP) is the library itself, would be
for an individual user to engage in a service called a virtual private network(VPN). Such a
service, usually available for a low-cost monthly fee, can ostensibly guarantee that when
using the internet in a public and therefore potentially open-access internet environment,
one’s data cannot be hacked as easilyand therefore, would be potentially safe from hackers.
Language surroundingthe use of a VPN will often include such words as “wrapped”ordata
passing through a “tunnel”to protect it from outside influences and that can provide a
calming influence on the individual accessing networks and sharing data in one’s daily
interactions on the internet in libraries. Of course, as most computer professionals will
remind the general public,and that has been borne out though the multiple breaches of even,
so-called, un-hackable networks,any network or system can be compromised. So, engaging
a personal VPN can provide an extra layer of protection for one’s personal information so
that online safety can be maintained.
Practicality and peace of mind
Because it is known that “librariesdo not keep logs of public computer sessions, patrons and
library staff can further protect themselves”(Marcotte, 2017) by establishing a VPN for the
use of public Wi-Fi, library patrons can, at least as much as possible, ensure that their
internet sessions are protected with a mechanism that goes beyond the standard network
privacy protocols establishedby the library or its technology entity charged withprotecting
the library’s network,whether through a municipal information technology(IT) entity if in a
Declaration: The author declares that there is no potential conflict of interest in the research.
ILS
118,11/12
672
Received3 October 2017
Revised3 October 2017
Accepted3 October 2017
Informationand Learning Science
Vol.118 No. 11/12, 2017
pp. 672-674
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2398-5348
DOI 10.1108/ILS-10-2017-0099
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