Harringay online

Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

I read this site at harringay libraries (I spend 8 hrs a day using a PC so have no desire to buy a computer to use at home). Much as I enjoy the site I'd also prefer not to read it at an internet cafe where I'd be essentially paying to read.

The problem is that every single link prompts the libraries security barrier to restrict access. I asked the librarian about this and she said that to get access to EACH link I'd need to email it to their IT team.

This is obviously a technical glitch but would it be possible for somebody with a relationship to senior personnel at the Libraries (or a Councillor) to make sure that security allows normal access to the site. If I took it up myself I imagine it would take six months or so before there were any changes made, if at all.

It's such a great resource for the community that it's just ludicrous that residents can't read it at a local library.

(If this isn't happening to anyone else then it must be a technical problem related to using gmail on library computers. But this is the only site I access through gmail that I've had problems with at the library.)

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Thanks for pointing this out Gavin. The head of Haringey Libraries is a member of the site. I'll draw your post to her attention. (Though it may be something that's in the control of the IT Dept).
It may also depend on which links are clicked. If they are to social networking sites like Twitter, YouTube or Flickr, it's possible they are falling foul of Haringey Council's general ban on social media sites.

This has had a good airing on HoL. But newcomers to the topic may also like to take a look at my Flickr set Shut your eyes & the 21st century will go away.

As you will see, Gavin, councillors are almost completely ignored on this by the Council ITocracy.
When i entered the H.O.L. adrress on a haringey library computer a message came up saying that it restricts gay (as in harringay) porn sites. when i tried to access a chess site (one of the really good ones) a message came up saying that it restricts 'gaming' sites. It seems chess is put into the same category as any other dumb computer game. Chess is a noble game that is good for your brain.
I can recommend Red Hot Pawn
The problem with chess sites is an old one - lots of people have complained, and nothing has ever been done. In contrast all the kids, and a lot of adults, play games (some of which look pretty dodgy) on the library computers all the time. They can do this because the games are in sites which don't look like gaming - for example CBBC for the kids.
We are lucky we don't live in Scunthorpe...
Response from Diana Edmonds, Assistant Director, Culture, Libraries and Learning, London Borough of Haringey.

I am so sorry to hear you are having problems accessing Harringay Online from library pcs in Haringey. We do have fierce blocking software - and we need it - but sometimes reputable sites are blocked. I will speak with our IT staff this week and come back to Harringay Online with a response.

We want to hear from our customers, so please feel free to email diana.edmonds@haringey.gov.uk if you have further problems or other issues to discuss relating to libraries in the Borough.
Hugh.
I lobbied diane edmods years ago about 'unblocking' the more reputable chess sites. They simply ignored me. But i'll give it another go.
These are the chess sites i asked to be 'unblocked'. (just sent email)
http://www.babaschess.net/
http://www.freechess.org/
Good news on this.

Diana Edmonds informed me yesterday that following her intervention, the accidental block on accessing HoL from Haringey Libraries has been removed. Yaaaay.
Thanks Hugh,

That's been annoying me for ages. I should have thought to tell you months ago.

Gavin
Thanks for raising the issue when you did!

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