FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Canton, MS – July 6, 2007) – The Madison County Library System (MCLS) is now utilizing Bellsouth’s multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) platform for its Internet connections. MPLS provides the library system’s computer network with improved reliability, speed, and security. Additionally, MCLS now has increased latitude in shaping and implementing its Internet filtering policies.

The most noticeable change for library patrons is faster Internet access. Computer labs and wireless access points now have at least 768 kbps combined bandwidth rates and no longer impinge on the library automation and circulation system. This increased speed allows the library system to once again allow patrons to access online streaming media, which had become a significant strain on the computer network due to its often excessive dominance of the Internet capacity available for each branch. Furthermore, fewer Internet outages are expected.

MCLS also gains more refined control of content filtering by using Bellsouth as its Internet provider. The library system is now able to filter individual websites as well as defined groups of similar websites more directly than in the past. This extra control leads to more comprehensive filtering of inappropriate and illegal content. Moreover, MCLS is harnessing this enhanced filtering capability to further its goal of providing the Internet as a research and informational tool to all patrons. For example, social networking websites (such as myspace.com), which in the past have routinely diverted the limited number of public computers away from productive research and threatened to become an attractive nuisance in the libraries, are now able to be filtered out, resulting in greater availability of Internet resources for informational needs. As before, adults (age 18 and over) may request that filters be temporarily deactivated for the purpose of bona fide research.

Contact:
Jason Moore
Assistant Systems Administrator / Public Information Officer
Madison County Library System
Canton, MS
(601)-859-7733 x108
jmoore@mcls.ms