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(Rev. 1/7/08)
Timberland Regional Library is pleased to offer free wireless Internet access
to patrons. Wireless access is provided in public areas in all TRL libraries
during regular open hours. Here are the answers to some frequently asked
questions about using wireless in the Library.
What is wireless?
- Wireless networking uses radio frequency signals to connect your
computer to the library’s network in order to access TRL’s Internet
connection.
Why wireless?
- Wireless networking allows library patrons to bring their own laptop
computers to the library to access the Internet, as well as the library
catalog and the library’s databases.
- Patrons can use their wireless laptop computers in most areas of the
library – they are not restricted to the normal computer areas.
- Patrons with wireless laptops do not need to wait for an available
library computer to access the Internet.
- Public wireless allows more computer and Internet access in the library,
while saving the library the cost of buying additional computers.
Which Timberland libraries offer wireless?
Wireless access is available in all TRL libraries.
What hardware do I need to use wireless at the library?
TRL uses the WiFi standard known as IEEE 802.11a/b/g.
You will need to bring your own laptop computer to the library with
built-in WiFi capability or a WiFi-compatible network card installed. Other
portable wireless devices such as handheld computing devices and Internet
enabled cell phones may also work.
Most WiFi equipment should work but TRL cannot guarantee that your
equipment will be compatible with the library’s wireless network.
What software do I need?
You need a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Firefox.
You should have up-to-date virus detection software installed on
your laptop.
If you use a pop-up blocker, you must temporarily disable it or allow
pop-ups from the library’s wireless authentication system in order to login
to the wireless network.
Will I need a login and password to connect?
No login or password is required to connect to the wireless network.
When you connect to the wireless network, you will see TRL’s Internet Use
Policy which prohibits abusive or illegal activity while using TRL’s
Internet service. Click "Accept" to indicate you agree to the policy.
Can the library help me configure my computer?
Library staff do not provide technical assistance for connecting
to the wireless network.
Everyone’s computer hardware and software are different so you are
responsible for knowing how to configure and restore the settings on your
own computer.
TRL is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer’s
settings.
If you need assistance, you may need to contact your hardware or
software manufacturers.
Can I access the library catalog and reference databases?
Yes, you can access the library catalog and reference databases from the
TRL home page.
Are there any restrictions on my use of the Internet?
Wireless Internet access is available during each library’s normal open
hours.
There is no time limit on wireless sessions.
Wireless sessions have a 60 minute idle timer. Your network connection
will end after 60 minutes with no network traffic. Save your work if
you are filling out a form or email message for an extended period of time.
Wireless reception and connection speeds are affected by your distance
from the TRL wireless equipment and by barriers such as brick walls, metal
bookshelves, stairways and people. The number of computers in use in the
local library and traffic on the wider Internet will also affect speed.
Reception and speed may improve if you move to a
different location in the building.
Only HTTP and HTTPS communication to standard ports (80, 443) are
supported. FTP, POP, and nonstandard HTTP and HTTPS ports cannot be used
with the service.
All wireless Internet access goes through TRL’s Internet content filter
which blocks Internet sites that contain adult content. There is no
provision for turning off the filter on the wireless network.
Can I print while using wireless?
Printing is not available on the wireless network. If you need to print,
save your work to a floppy disk or a USB jump drive, or email the files to
yourself. You can then login to one of the library’s Internet computers and
send your job to a public printer. You may need to reserve a session if a
library computer is not immediately available.
Is my information safe while using wireless?
The library’s wireless network is not encrypted or guaranteed to be
secure from interception. Information sent to or from your laptop could be
intercepted by anyone within three hundred feet with a wireless device and
with the appropriate software. Keep this in mind if you are accessing
sensitive business or personal information. It is recommended that you
access private web information only through a secure browser connection with
SSL enabled.
It is recommended that you not enable file sharing or print sharing when
using a public shared network. If you do so, other people may gain access to
your hard drive and files or misuse your computer.
You should have have up-to-date virus detection software installed on
your laptop.
Electrical Outlets
Plan to have your laptop battery fully charged when you come to the
library.
Some libraries have convenient electrical outlets that you can plug your
laptop into, other libraries have NONE.
Revised
11/04/09
For Information or to Ask a Reference Question:
Ask A Librarian
Or, Call 704-INFO (360-704-4636) in the Olympia area or 1-800-562-6022
Contact us
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Timberland Regional Library serves Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason,
Pacific, and Thurston counties in Western Washington State.
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