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LIBRARY
SERVICES
Wireless
Internet FAQs
 
Wireless
Internet Access at Sharon Public Library
The
Sharon Public Library is pleased to offer free wireless Internet
access to customers with appropriately equipped wireless devices.
The "WiFi Zone" has been designed to support a wide-range of IEEE
802.11b laptops, PDA, and other devices. When you access the Internet
via any Sharon Public Library network, wireless or cabled, you
are agreeing to abide by the Library's
Internet Access Policy, Electronic
Information Access Policy, and portions of the Rules
for the Use of Public Access Computers. Please take the time
to review these policies before accessing the network.
Just
launch your web browser to establish a connection to the Sharon
WiFi Network, recognized simply as " Sharon " by your device.
Your browser's homepage will appear and you may begin surfing
immediately. If your device does not connect see the appropriate
FAQ below.
Advantages
of the Sharon Public Library WiFi Zone
- No waiting for a free public PC
- No enforced time limits.connect for as long
as you like
- Spread out at a larger table in a quieter
area of the building
- Fast broadband connection
- Download files
- Save files permanently to your own device
Limitations
of WiFi
- No printing services available at this time
- A WiFi network is less secure than a wired
network (see FAQ below)
- Signal strength varies within the Library
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
What
is WiFi?
WiFi
is radio wave technology which allows an appropriately equipped
device to access the Internet and library resources from within
the Sharon Public Library without physically connecting to a network
via Ethernet or a phone line.
What
can I do with it?
When
you are connected to our wireless network you have a high speed
connectionto the Internet so you can:
- Do online research.
- Check the library catalog
- Access the library's databases
- Check your e-mail.
Where
is it?
Coverage
is available on both floors of the library. Reception may be weaker
in some areas than in others. On the first floor, reception is
strongest in the reference room and the study table area near
the elevator. On the lower level, reception is strongest in the
Cynthia B. Fox Community Room.
What
do I need?
You
need a laptop (or suitable PDA) equipped with an IEEE 802.11b
compatible (Wi-Fi) wireless network card. Some laptops have wireless
cards built-in, for most others you can purchase a compatible
card to plug into your computer. Installation of the card and
its associated software will vary depending on specific computer,
card, and operating system.
What
if I don't own a laptop?
If you
don't own a laptop you can't use the wireless network but you
can access the Internet using the Library's public access computers;
sign-up may be required for the use of these workstations.
What
are the guidelines for use?
While
using our network (either wired using our computers or wireless
using your own) you agree to be bound by our Internet
Access Policy, Electronic Information Access Policy,
and the Rules
for the Use of Public Access Computers. In simple terms
you agree not to interfere with or disturb other patrons (use
headphones if necessary), and not to use our network to harass
other people or break the law.
Do
you charge for this service?
No.
Why
are you providing this service?
The
library's mission is to
provide open access to informational, educational, and recreational
resources and to make efficient use of technology; a wireless
network fits well with that goal. It also has the advantage of
freeing up public use computers for others to use.
How
do I connect?
In most
cases, a connection will be automatic and you will need to do
nothing more than just open your browser and start surfing. Details
of configuring your computer for wireless networking will vary
depending on the specific models of laptop, operating system,
and wireless network card, and are therefore beyond the scope
of this brief pamphlet.
You
should know that:
The
SSID of the network is: Sharon . The public wireless network is
open; no password or key is needed to join.
Must
I register?
No.
We have decided to try offering access without requiring any registration;
if there are problems with unrestricted access we may reconsider
registration.
Can
I print from the wireless network?
No,
there are no printers configured on the wireless network. To print
you should either save your document and print when you get home
or sign-up to use one of the Library's public access computers
(save document to be printed to disc or e mail it to yourself).
I
can connect to the Internet, but how do I get help finding the
information I'm looking for?
If you
have questions about accessing the Library's reference databases
or about finding specific information on the Internet, you should
ask at the Information Desk.
Is
the WiFi network secure?
No, but
wireless networks are not unique in that respect; on all shared
networks, whether wired or wireless, users can potentially eavesdrop
on each other's data, though it is not usually likely that they
will. Whenever it is appropriate and practical, you should use
additional methods to secure your data. If you are transferring
confidential information (passwords, credit card numbers, online
banking information, health data and so on) you are strongly encouraged
to use secure web sites (SSL) or other techniques (SSH, VPN) to
safeguard your confidentiality. The library is not responsible
for insuring the privacy of information you transfer over our
network.
Do
you collect or log data about my session?
We log
the hardware address and temporary IP address assigned to your
computer (information necessary for creating the connection).
The wireless network neither collects nor stores any other information
about you, your computer, the web sites you visit or the data
you transfer over our network.
What
if I have problems?
Library
staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee
can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment
or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting
from connection to the Library's network.
Is
it safe?
Yes. Wireless
networking uses very low power signals in the same frequency band
as many cordless phones, and manufacturers design their equipment
to fall well within industry safety guidelines. Experts generally
agree that WiFi technology is very safe when used appropriately.
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