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Wireless @ St. Petersburg Public Library
Frequently Asked Questions
Wi-fi access is now available at all branches.
(For information about wireless access at West Community Library,
call 341-7199, option 3.) |
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1. What is wireless internet access?
- Wireless Internet access uses radio frequency signals to exchange information between your computer and the Internet.
- No cables are required.
2. What advantages does wireless provide?
- Wireless allows library users to bring their own laptop computers to the library to access the Internet.
- Library users don’t have to wait for an available workstation and may find more ideal seating locations in the library.
3. How do I use wireless at the library?
- The St. Petersburg Public Library uses the WiFi standard (also known as IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g). These standards provide up to 54 megabits/second connection speed. Speed will vary by location and number of users.
- You will need to bring your own laptop computer to the library, and it will need to have built-in WiFi or you will need to install a WiFi network card. The Library does not provide wireless cards.
- Most WiFi equipment will be compatible. However, the library can make no guarantees about the compatibility of your equipment with the library's network.
4. Can I print from my laptop?
- Printers are not available to wireless users in the library. You will need to use a library computer for any printing capabilities.
5. Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?
- No - You will only need to open your browser and select "connect" from our wireless access page. The wireless access page should come up automatically if you have already setup your device for our network. Please refer to Setup Help on our website or ask for printed information from a service desk in the Library.
6. When I access your remote databases, will I have to provide a Library Card number?
- No – For purposes of accessing our databases, you will be treated as if you are on a library workstation and will not have to provide a Library Card number and password. Those using wireless access are not limited by the time constraints that are in place for our public workstations. This will be advantageous for research that might require an extended time period.
7. Since I’m using my own equipment, do the general rules about computer use still apply to me?
- Yes – you still cannot disrupt other patrons as described in the St. Petersburg Public Library Computer Use Policy. Any activities deemed illegal apply to you whether or not you are on a Library-owned computer or your own computer. Furthermore, security hardware and software will disconnect you temporarily or permanently from the entire wireless network if you attempt to circumvent standard procedures and protocols, or attempt to access or manipulate equipment to which you are not authorized to connect. Any illegal activity will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
8. Can the library help me configure my computer?
- No - everyone's computer is different and you are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment. Self help handouts will be available from the circulation or reference staff. You can also go to Setup Help on this website.
- The St. Petersburg Public Library cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings.
- If you need additional assistance, you may need to contact the manufacturer of your hardware or software. The Library Staff cannot provide any help beyond the printed information or this FAQ page.
9. Will my wireless internet access be filtered?
- Yes, all internet access through the library network will follow our computer use policy and all internet access will be filtered. Please refer to our Computer Use Policy for more information.
10. What about virus protection and security?
- It is solely the responsibility of the wireless device owner/user to provide anti-virus protection, and to configure their laptop/PDA settings to provide the appropriate security settings to control access from other wireless devices within the Library and the internet itself. The St. Petersburg Public Library cannot and will not take responsibility for damages incurred for incorrect, insufficient or incomplete security settings, or lack of adequate or up-to-date virus protection. Wireless users assume all risks in this regard.
11. Can I use my email software on my laptop?
- Only Internet email such as Hotmail or Yahoo Mail is supported by the wireless network. You will not be able to use your Outlook or other email software that is on your machine.
12. When is wireless access available in the library?
- Wireless access is available during regular business hours of the Library.
13. Can you access the wireless network from all areas of the libraries?
- Most areas in the libraries will provide wireless access. Due to the nature of this access, some areas will provide better connections than others. In most cases, locations close to the public workstations tend to have the best access. Seating is limited in some areas of the libraries and may not be available during peak times.
14. May I use my own headphones?
- If you have any audiovisual material that you would like to listen to, you may certainly use your own headphones. Listening to sound through the laptop speakers is not permitted.
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15. Are there power outlets available?
- There will be some power outlets available throughout the library for laptop use. However, we recommend that you fully charge your battery before coming to the library to use our wireless access. We cannot guarantee that an outlet will be available to you and running power cords across traffic areas is not permitted.
16. Will wireless access be available at other locations in the library system?
- Wireless is now available at ALL branches of the St. Petersburg Public Library.
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For telephone renewals and
account information:
Call 727-388-9490 |
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