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Bartlett Library Goes Wireless

Posted on: Tuesday, 22 November 2005, 21:00 CST

By Emily Ngo Daily Herald Staff Writer

Bartlett Public Library introduced its wireless Internet network on Thursday, joining the ranks of high-tech cafes and neighboring libraries like those in Roselle and St. Charles.

Before implementation of the system, which uses five access points whose signals each have a range of 300 feet, patrons could not use their laptop computers to access the Internet and had to wait for the library's desktop computers.

Now, anyone in the library whose laptop has wireless capabilities will be able to access the Internet.

"Patrons were asking for it," automation manager Victoria Mueller said. "The most important thing to the staff is that they don't have to provide technical support."

Nor does the library staff claim responsibility for anti-virus, privacy and security aspects of the wireless system, which is unsecured.

The "Wi-Fi Hotspot" system cost the Bartlett library less than $900, but use of it will be free to patrons, Mueller said.

Trustees at Thursday's board meeting discussed the popularity of audio and video downloads and how the wireless system could quickly achieve both.

Trustee Anthony Troyke suggested that staff post a sign at the library entrance disclaiming responsibility for any patron losses incurred through the unsecured system.

The wireless Internet system's position outside a firewall bars anyone from hacking into patron records and other information secured in library databases, Mueller said.

More information will be available on the Bartlett library Web site and in brochure form at the library itself, she said.

Source: Daily Herald; Arlington Heights, Ill.

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