Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Combating Bandwidth Rates to Ensure Optimal Web Browsing

With the internet becoming more and more integrated into everyday activities, it is only natural for patrons to expect satisfactory internet service from their libraries. However, as reported in an article in Library Journal, “Nearly 60 percent of public libraries report inadequate Internet connection speeds to meet patron demand" (Faced with Too Little Bandwidth…). Undesirable web content, such as pornography and popular streaming media sites such as MySpace.com and Youtube.com, can quickly cripple a library’s internet service.

While there are many things that can cause internet slow-down, libraries have several options in combating ill-wanted content and optimizing their patrons’ web-browsing experience. First, by updating their web browsers to the latest release (Midwest Tape's Website Developing beyond the Capabilities of IE6), libraries can help protect their computers and their networks from resource-hogging malware. Second, libraries can regulate bandwidth to streaming media sites or use third-part software to block certain content all together.

How is your library addressing issues with connectivity speed, malware, and undesirable web content? Share your experiences here as comments.
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2 comments:

  1. Jenny NovalisJanuary 29, 2010 at 1:51 PM

    Our library has struggled with this issue for the last several years. In years past we added more bandwidth but that was quickly clogged again. For the last 2 years we tried managing bandwidth using network router rules and QoS.

    This year we bought a packet shaper which promises to help this issue. Using a combo of these things we should be able to successfully manage our bandwidth without having to buy more.

    - Jenny Novalis. Bedford Public Library System, VA

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  2. Nedda PourahmadyJanuary 29, 2010 at 2:24 PM

    Jenny, thanks so much for your feedback on this topic. It sounds like you've done a lot of problem solving with bandwidth issues. You'll have to keep us posted on how the packet shaper works in combination with your QoS and network router rules.

    How are other libraries addressing their issues with connectivity speed, malware, and undesirable web content? Do others have similar experiences to Jenny's?

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