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HarborLink Network News & Events
August 9, 2006
from the August 9, 2006 edition of Worthington News
Libraries next to offer wireless Internet By Brittiny Dunlap It's a wireless age and everyone is trying to keep up -- including Worthington Libraries. Within a week, patrons at both libraries will be able to bring in their wireless-enabled devices and access a free system. Library staff started discussing a wireless network about 18 months ago, said Bonnie Holland, associate director of support services. "The patrons were asking for it and that was our tipster," she said. While the system is not yet complete, several people have stumbled on the signal already. Between June 6 and July 31, there were 90 unique users at the Old Worthington Library that logged on for 392 session, based on information released to the library by HarborLink, the wireless provider. At the Northwest Library, there were 85 unique users that logged on for 320 sessions. "It feels good because patrons are being very receptive," Holland said. "When I am walking around the library and see someone with a laptop, I ask them if they know we have wireless service. They always respond 'yes' and thank me for it." HarborLink also is the provider of the city's wireless system, which residents can access while outdoors on High Street between North and South streets. "We wanted people to have a seamless transition from the city to the library," Holland said. "It's the first library HarborLink has worked with. They are very interested in library service so they were very eager to work with us." To log on to the service, residents will need a wireless-enabled laptop computer or handheld computer. Once they are within the boundaries and an Internet browser is open, a welcome screen will prompt users with directions to connect to the service. In addition to accepting the wireless usage terms, the library will have an additional access policy users have to accept to access the system. "We really want people to read it," Holland said. "There is important information about the network in the policy." Users shouldn't be surprised, however, when a Web page pops up on their screen every 12 minutes. News, music downloading services and ads from businesses are a few of the things that users will see when the screen appears as the system develops. The service will be provided free to the library, much like it is to the city. HarborLink will be responsible for the equipment and maintenance of the system. The aim of the project is to increase usage and expand the uses of the library. "It's a win for the patrons," Holland said, "because patrons can use their own equipment and it will free up the computers to be used by everyone." "It's one more thing to open the library up to more use," said Lisa Fuller, community relations coordinator for Worthington Libraries. "We're really trying to make the library a gathering place and make it more friendly to bring in your own devices." Library staff will be able to provide general information to connect to the network, but will not be able to troubleshoot problems. If a technical problem arises, patrons will be advised to call HarborLink directly at 800-451-0738. |
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