[Libs-Or] Public Wifi

Sun Sep 27 11:03:27 PDT 2015

Wifi service does not have to be a 24/7 hot spot.  Our wifi service is on a
timer and only available during open library hours.  We have no password.
We don't limit who can use the service, we only limit the hours of
availability.

Carrie Bremer

Director/Librarian

Athena Public Library

P. O. Box 450

Athena,  OR  97813

541-566-2470

 <mailto:athenalibrary at cityofathena.com> athenalibrary at cityofathena.com

From: Libs-Or [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf
Of Buzzy Nielsen
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 9:58 AM
To: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] Public Wifi

+1 to Jane. Someone who refers to the "deadbeats and undesirables" using the
wifi may not be the best partner. Regarding illegal downloads and such, that
can be dealt with in other ways than restricting passwords. You could, for
instance, only allow traffic through certain internet ports for popular
applications (e.g. web browsing, chat, email, etc.). Alternatively, you
could throttle ports commonly used for illicit downloads, such as common
BitTorrent ports, such that people wanting to engage in illegal conduct
simply find it too slow to do on your network.

Cheers!
Buzzy

************************************
Library Director
Hood River County Library District
502 State Street
Hood River, Oregon 97031
541-387-7062
http://hoodriverlibrary.org

On 09/25/2015 09:17 AM, Jane Salisbury wrote:

I'd be reluctant to partner with someone who was trying to exclude a group
that he describes as "deadbeats and undesirables".  That would seem to be
completely contrary to the ideal of free public libraries, regardless of
whatever advantages his program might offer to the library. 

Jane Salisbury

Supervisor, Library Outreach Services
Multnomah County Library
205 NE Russell

Portland, OR 97212

Phone: 503.988.4081  Website: www.multcolib.org

janesa at multcolib.org <mailto:xxxxxxx at multcolib.org> 
www.multcolib.org <http://www.multcolib.org/> 

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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