Re: Blocking software Complexities of blocking software

[Clete Schirra <schirra@SPARKSD.ORG>]

Tom,
Being both the librarian and the network administrator, I can see both sides of the 
problem.  Depending how the software is written, using "the password" may give 
rights or open areas of the software that should not be unprotected or accessed by 
persons other than the supervisor.  It may just be that her network admin. may just 
be playing King of the Network.  Remember what Harvey Korman said in History of the 
World Pt. 1 as King Louis, "It's good to be the King".  I have met librarians and 
teachers that I would give the Presidential "football" (briefcase that can launch 
nuclear missiles) long before I would give them a system password.  There would be 
far less destruction and fallout.  From a network admin. standpoint, I would
rather err on the side of caution and have as few people as possible with access to 
server and software manipulation than have virtually no control of the system.  
Maybe it is not having access to passwords as much as educating the network 
administrator to needs of the students and teachers.  One also needs to ask, what 
directives, mandates and constraints is the network administrator operating under.  
He/she may have a very good reason for the system being setup as it now is 
configured.  Believe when I tell you, being a network administrator is about as 
much fun at times, as driving a 6" nail through you hand.
Clete

Tom Ross wrote:

> In reference to Brigid's discussion on password authority to override a site. 
>Folks we really need to discuss this issue. It appears many Network Administrators 
>are not giving Media Specialist on site access to over-riding blocked sites. This 
>is ludricrus. Either a Media Specialist is qualified to evaluate the site at the 
>time of need or the school district should get one that is. I believe this is a 
>good example of Network Administrators building their own kingdoms and controling 
>everybody else's lives. Many Network Administrators are not even educators and 
>have no idea what the actual need is, but still try to control every educators 
>classroom. This ought not to be. Local control should be Mandated. What do you 
>think folks?
>
> Tom Ross
>
> It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness
> Butler
>
> Tom Ross
> Director of Library/Media
> Aitkin Public Schools
> 306 2nd St. NW
> Aitkin, MN  56431
> 218-927-4838 ext. 124 or
> Wed., Thurs. & Fri AM
> 218-927-2115 ext. 207
> Mon., Tue. & Fri. PM
> Fax 209-882-5565
> "It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness."
> Butler
>
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--
********************************************************************************

Clete Schirra                           cschirra@lcn.net
South Park High School              412.655.0613  voice
2178 Ridge Rd.                          412.655.1463  fax
South Park, PA 15129

Media Specialist/Network Administrator, South Park High School Media
Center


"They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety."

   Benjamin Franklin-Historical Review of Pennsylvania 1759

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