[Libs-Or] Public Wifi

Sergio Lopez sergiolopezpdx at gmail.com
Fri Sep 25 09:18:36 PDT 2015


I have the fortune of working at two libraries with very different
approaches to wifi. At one (college) libray, we control access to our wifi
through a proxy. Anyone who is in the library has access to the wifi,
provided they identify themselves as students or enter "library guest"
credentials at the proxy page. At the other (public) library I work, Access
to wifi is unrestricted. The patron has to click an "agree" button,
expressing an explicit agreement to library policies and rules, but that's
about it. No passwords, passes or the like. Both approaches seem to work
fine for each library.

On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 9:06 AM, Oregon Trail Library District Director <
otlddirector at centurylink.net> wrote:

> Hey everyone,
>
> I know this has already been covered but I need advice. One of our
> branches has been offered internet at no cost that will be a great increase
> in service. But.....the person in charge wants to control the wifi with a
> password only available to patrons that come into the library. This would
> limit wifi to anyone who doesn't get the password during workng hours. The
> password would be changed randomly but it sounds like it wouldn't be daily.
> I would love the service for our computers, but I am not in favor of the
> password system. Their theory is that it would limit "deadbeats and
> undesirable people" from using our wifi for illicit purposes. He claims
> that if a patron uses our wifi for illegal activities we the library will
> be open for prosecution. Do we accept the better service and continue to
> pay for our current internet to allow 24/7 service? Or do we accept the
> offer and their limitations?
>
> Thanks everyone in advance for your expert advice.
>
> Kathy Street, MLS
> Library Director
> Oregon Trail Library District
> 541-481-3365
>
>
>
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