illinois library installing FINGERPRINT scanners

[Bluebear]

NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- Library officials in this suburb west of Chicago have come up with a high-tech solution for keeping unauthorized visitors from using their computers: fingerprint scans.

The scanners - to be installed on 130 library computers this summer- will verify the identity of computer users.

Library officials said they wanted to tighten computer access because many people borrow library cards and pass codes from friends or family to log on. The technology also will help the library implement a new policy that allows parents to put filters on their children's' accounts, officials said.

But privacy advocates have criticized the plan, which would make Naperville only the second library system in the nation to use fingerprint-scanning technology, according to the American Library Association.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/20/AR2005052001433.html

[Us vs Them]

1. Doesn't that mean they can trace back all computer activity

to your very own finger?

Oh well. One can always just look up crazy bomb-making-pornography at the internet cafe.

[bklyncowgirl]

2. Damn they must have some hell of a budget!

They must be some hardass librarians in Illinois. I wonder what they do if you have an overdue book?

As a public librarian, I can tell you that these things are expensive. I'd rather put what little money I have into books, databases and upgrading my network but hey, each to his own. We, of course also have the problem with people sharing library cards to get more computer time but aside from giving a few of the worst offenders a month time out, we haven't gone crazy over it.

[Bluebear]

3. Keeping track of "terrorists" is more important than books.

I guess. :shrug:

[sandnsea]

4. I'm confused

I don't get the problem. If a family of five has computer privileges of an hour a month, and one person uses all five hours, then where's the problem? :shrug:

I don't get it.