Library Offers Wireless Internet Access

The Tompkins County Public Library will begin offering wireless Internet access on Wednesday, September 1, 2004. Users with laptop computers will be able to access the library's high speed Internet service from anywhere in the library.

Wireless (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi) service will be available to anyone who complies with the library's Internet Access Service Rules available at www.tcpl.org/internetaccess.html. A library card is not required.

Library Director Janet Steiner said that wireless service will increase the availability of the Internet as well as licensed information databases to which the library subscribes. She credited the Library's Technology Committee and Sherpa Technologies Inc. for developing standards, testing the service and assisting with a FAQ sheet.

Currently the library has 26 hard-wired computers which are used by children and adults to access the Internet. Users are limited to one hour per day on these computers. With wireless, there are no time limits and no seating constraints.

However, Steiner said that the wireless network is not secure and users are urged to utilize virus protection, personal firewalls and other measures to protect the information on their laptops.

The library will be monitoring the new service and welcomes comments from users.

The new service was made possible by a gift from an anonymous donor.

More information:
Set-up Directions
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)