Policy Links

Behavior Policy

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Internet Use Rules of Conduct

Lost Materials Policy

Multi-Purpose Room Policy

Public Wireless Instruction Sheet

Public Wireless Use Policy

PINES Library Card

Related Cards Policy

Safe Child/Dependent Persons Policy

Mountain Regional Library System Public Wireless Use Policy

Introduction

Kids using wireless outside library

All four member branches of the Mountain Regional Library System now provide wireless internet access service for users with properly equipped portable computers or mobile devices. Wireless connection to the library's internet service is free of charge and available around the clock to users within broadcast range of an access point. Signal coverage varies by site and the user's device, but most users should even be able to connect from the library parking lot when the library building is closed.


All users of the MRLS public wireless service are required to abide by the same policies and rules of behavior as users of our in-house Public Access Computers, discussed in the Internet Acceptable Use Policy and the Internet Use Rules of Conduct.


Restrictions

There is no time limit for a wireless session; however, there is currently a maximum download limit of 50 megabytes per 24 hour period. The bandwidth provided by the Georgia Public Library Service through our network lines is finite and must be shared by library staff, patrons using our in-house Public Access Computers, and those connecting wirelessly with their own equipment. It is possible to browse the internet for hours without reaching this limit, but activities that "pull" content from the web to your portable computer, for example, downloading software, music, image files, or "streaming" video or audio may cause you to reach your limit in a short time. The download limit is in place to ensure that library operations are not compromised by excessive network traffic, and that all users of our Internet connections have a consistently satisfactory experience.

All Internet traffic across the library's network is filtered to comply with CIPA regulations. All users are expected to use the library's wireless access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided. Users may not violate federal, Georgia, or local laws, including the transmission or receiving of child pornography or harmful material, fraud, or the downloading of copyrighted material.

Caveats

MRLS makes every effort to ensure that our wireless access points stay operational; however, due to intermittent outages and occasional equipment problems, the library cannot guarantee that wireless service will be available to users at all times, especially during closed hours.

Most wireless-equipped devices will be compatible with the libraries' access points, but the library cannot guarantee that your hardware will work with the library's wireless network. If a user experiences problems connecting to a wireless access point during business hours, staff will verify that the library's network is operational, but staff are not trained to configure or troubleshoot laptop computers or mobile devices. Please refer to your owner's manual or other support services offered by your device manufacturer.

Documentation available at the Circulation Desk will provide general information on the procedures for accessing the Internet wirelessly; however, library staff cannot provide technical assistance to patrons using the library's wireless network. Users are solely responsible for any changes made to their computer's settings. If you choose to alter your device's configuration, it is always a "best practice" to write down your current settings so you can restore them later.

The library's wireless network provides no security between the access points and your device; therefore, someone in the library vicinity can potentially capture information sent to or from your device. The library cautions wireless users against transmitting credit card information, passwords and any other sensitive personal information while using any wireless "hot spot." It is strongly recommended that you have up-to-date virus protection on your laptop computer, apply all security patches for your operating system, and take other appropriate precautions when using this service.

Use of the MRLS wireless network is entirely at the risk of the user. The library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the library's network or the Internet, or liability for any consequent damage to hardware, software, or data.

Printing service is not available through our wireless networks at this time. If you need to print, you can save your work to a storage device such as a floppy disk or usb memory stick, or e-mail files to yourself; then log on to an in-house library workstation and send jobs to the public network printer.

Approved by the Mountain Regional Library System Board of Trustees February 3, 2006. Revised June 19, 2009.


right arrow More information about MRLS computer services