[Libs-Or] Public Wifi

[Esther Moberg]

We have had issues with illegal downloads, however, they typically seem to occur during library open hours (our wifi is available 24/7). We have one login password that is fixed(anyone can use it) just to control bandwidth each person uses. This also limits regarding illegal downloads since often what they are downloading (such as an entire movie) takes a lot of bandwidth. We also have a click through agreement telling users not to misuse our wifi. 
We have gotten e-mails stating we have had illegal downloads from our IP and to cease and desist, some have even threatened that our internet connection would be removed or that we owe money. Be sure you always check before responding to any of these e-mails. They are often scams that are fishing for money. We have responded to the real illegal downloads by limiting bandwidth access. This is the best we feel we can do as a library while still allowing access. 
 
Esther Moberg
Library Director
Seaside Public Library
1131 Broadway Ave.
Seaside, OR 97138
503-738-6742
www.seasidelibrary.org
 
From: Libs-Or [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Sergio Lopez
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 9:19 AM
To: Oregon Trail Library District Director <otlddirector at centurylink.net>
Cc: Libs-Or <libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] Public Wifi
 
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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