Approved by the Library Board of Trustees – September 9,
2004
The
Madison Public Library provides unfiltered wireless Internet connectivity
offered as a RoseNet service for users with Wireless enabled laptops.
This
service is not to be used as a permanent connection. Wireless patrons may be asked to present a library card, either
from the Madison Public Library or another library in the Madison area.
By
choosing to use this free wireless service you agree to abide by the Library’s
Acceptable Use Policy that prohibits abusive or illegal activity while using
the Library’s Internet service. This
policy can be found on the Library’s website:
http://www.rosenet.org/library/acceptable_use_policy.htm .
Copies are also available at the Information Desk and at the public access computer stations.
It is the
responsibility of the user to understand this Acceptable Use Policy and his/her
obligation to refrain from viewing inappropriate websites, spamming or any
illegal activities.
Use
of the wireless network is at your own risk and the Madison Public Library is
not responsible for any damage that may occur to your computer while
connected.
Wi-Fi
is less secure than a wired network.
Signal strength may vary in the building. There is no printing capability.
Your
laptop must have a wireless network interface card (NIC), 802.11b standard as
well as a charged battery.
Tips:
If
you cannot get a connection try the following:
make sure your wireless card is inserted; refer to the manual for the
wireless card; check that the network settings for your card are set to “obtain
an IP address automatically;” try to stop/start the card or even reboot your
computer.
Learn more about wireless at www.linksys.com.
You
need a Wireless enabled laptop to use this Wi-Fi access point. Many recently purchased laptops are
configured for a Wireless Internet and some come equipped with a wireless card. Otherwise you will need to purchase a Wi-Fi
capable network card ($50-$90). Wi-Fi
uses a 2.4 GHz microwave radio signal to reach through walls, floors and
ceilings just like a cordless phone.
Access
points have a network name called an SSID (service set identifier).
Wireless
access points are located throughout the library. These points communicate with your wireless device. You should be able to connect almost
anywhere in the building and on the grounds.
A message will appear on your screen indicating a wireless network is
available when your wireless network card senses a signal.
What
software is needed?
Many Wireless Internet laptops will automatically find the Wireless network and automatically configure the Wi-Fi network card to XXX. Windows XP contains software in the operating system to automatically find Wireless networks within range of the laptop. If your laptop has trouble finding the network, it could be a problem with the network card configuration information or with the software.
Check
your manufacturer’s literature for wireless card configuration information to
make sure that the card is configured with MPLTrain, MPLChild, and
MPLAdmin and does not have data security
encryption enabled.
For
software problems you should consider downloading a free utility from Boingo
(http://www.boingo.com/download.html?windows)
that will find Wireless networks. You
don’t have to subscribe to the Boingo service to use the free utility program.
What
can I do from this access point?
The Wi-Fi access point allows you to connect your laptop to the Internet at broadband speeds. Through this connection you can surf the Web, access the library catalog, conduct Instant Messenger conversations, and check your email. Many Internet Service Providers (ISP) offer Web-based email for situations when you don’t have direct access to your ISP account. Check with your ISP to see if they have a Web-based email for sending and receiving emssages.
Users are expected to follow the Madison Public Library’s Acceptable Use Policy when using this Wi-Fi connection.
Wireless
transmissions, by their nature, can be intercepted very easily. The transmissions in and out of your laptop
over a wireless network can be easily captured and/or read. If your data are not encrypted when they
leave your computer they are not secure.
It is recommended that you do NOT use this Wireless Internet for secure
transactions, such as banking, investments, or even proprietary information. More authoritative information is available
at
http://www.wififreespot.com/faqs.html.
You
are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment.
Pleased
be advised that:
Due
to insurance limitations and warranties, library staff members cannot configure
your laptop or install PCMCIA cards
The
Library assumes no responsibility for any alterations or interference with a
laptop’s configuration, operation, or data files resulting from connection to
the wireless network.
Virus
and security protection is the user’s responsibility. The Library assumes no
responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of any kind to a user’s equipment,
software, data files or other personal property brought into or used at the
Library’s facilities.
The
Library cannot guarantee that the service will be available at any specific
time nor can the Library accept reservations for wireless access.
The
connection shall not be used for illegal or time-consuming commercial
purposes. Please restrict your use to the connection to 1 hour while others are
waiting.
Patrons
shall defend, indemnify and hold the Borough of Madison, its officers,
employees, and agents harmless against all claims, actions, and judgments based
upon or arising out of the patron’s use of Library wireless connections.