Red Wing Public Library Internet use rules

The Red Wing Public Library will provide free Internet access points or "hot spots" for users with portable computers or devices capable of receiving wireless signals using the 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g protocols, during normal library business hours. These access points will allow users to access the Internet from their laptop computers when within range of the access points. The library provides access only to Web-based email or through a user's personal Internet provider.

General rules & filtering

Use of these access points is governed by the Red Wing Public Library Internet Access Policy and the Red Wing Public Library Internet Use Guidelines. All users are expected to use the library's wireless access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided. Users should not violate federal, Minnesota or local laws, including the transmission or receiving of child pornography or harmful material, fraud, or downloading copyrighted material.

Any restriction or monitoring of a minor's access to the library's wireless network is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian. Internet access from the library’s wired public computers is filtered but Internet access via a wireless connection from your own computer is not filtered.

Troubleshooting

Library staff will provide general information on the settings necessary to access the Internet via these connections, but are not responsible for any changes users make to their computer settings and cannot guarantee that a user's hardware will work with the library's wireless connection.

If a user has problems accessing the Internet over these connections, they should refer to their owners' manuals or other support services offered by their device manufacturer for network settings or other troubleshooting.

Security

As with most public wireless "hot spots," the library's wireless connection is not secure. Any information being sent or received could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user. The library will not be responsible for any personal information (e.g. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their personal laptop computers or wireless devices.

Printing

Printers are not available via the wireless connection at this time. If users need to print, they should save their work to a portable storage device (e.g., floppy disk) or wait to print a document on a home printer. An alternative is to email files to themselves, then login to a wired library workstation and send documents to the public printer. Copies are .10 per page for black & white and .50 for color.

Adopted by the Red Wing Public Library Board on January 9, 2006.