Wireless Internet Has Arrived    

           "It's here" is the slogan to introduce the December 18th arrival of the wireless internet service at the Speedway Public Library. Library Director Darsi Bohr noted many people are still not aware that the wireless service is here even though the arrival announcement is displayed on the library's wall and website.

"I don't expect to have five people with laptops to be lined up at the door when the library opens at 9 a.m., but it is here for the people who want it," she said.

The library board decided not to complicate the system by imposing user restrictions. Bohr said the wireless internet service is open to anyone with a laptop computer or personal digital assistant (PDA) that supports the 802.11b wireless standard.
"You don't need to be a Speedway resident or have a library card to use wireless network."

Bohr noted that this wireless policy differed from the other current computer policy that requires residency or obtaining a public library access card. The board took this position since users must have their own laptop computers.
The board hypothesized that most of the laptop users would be out of town guests. Bohr explained that in the past, out-of-town business people often had stopped to inquire if the library had access to wireless service.

The library provides user-friendly instructions that include surveys to improve service. "No problems have been reported," she said.

However, users should be aware of some of the restrictions placed on the internet service. The wireless service is filtered to block sites that violate the library electronic user policy. It would require librarian authorization to block or unblock a site. The library also restricts incoming and outgoing traffic as well as blocking ports to cut down on spam.

Users should be aware this unsecured system makes it is possible for others to tap into their data. This also means a user's files can be exposed for others to download. The library recommends configuring a firewall to protect user's data. The board decided to go with an unsecured system in order to avoid using local tax dollars. An unsecured system was one of the stipulations to use the grant money supported by the Institute of Museums and Library Services. This is under the provision of the Library Services and Technology Act that is administered by the Indiana State Library.

Bohr noted the system shuts down at 9 p.m. to prevent users from sitting in the parking lot trying to tap into the system. She explained the radio frequency is strong enough to reach fire station 2.