How CARL Webcheck works
Webcheck applies the CARL System's user validation process for external users. When a remote patron logs on to the library's CARLweb and selects a commercial database to search, Webcheck first looks at the user's IP address. If the IP address is within a pre-approved range—for example, workstations inside the library—then access to the database will be permitted. If the IP address is not within the pre-approved range, then the user is prompted for identifying patron information, such as a library card number. If the information input is valid, then the user will be allowed to access the database. If the information entered is not valid, then the user will be presented with a library-customizable message.
Webcheck requires the database provider to allow validation through referring URL. If the patron is found to be a valid library user, Webcheck forwards the access request to the database vendor via referring URL.
Gonzaga University, home of the Inland Northwest Library Automation Network, provided valuable feedback and testing for the product. In addition to Gonzaga University, other CARL sites that are beta testing the new Webcheck feature include Phoenix Public Library and Los Angeles Public Library. CARL Webcheck will be available as part of an upcoming release of CARLweb. For more information about Webcheck or CARLweb, please contact your client representative or e-mail info@carl.org.
