Wireless Internet Access at Cambridge Library

Cambridge Library offers unlimited free wireless Internet access within the library building. Bring your wireless-enabled laptop or device to the Library and connect to the Internet. Here are some answers to questions you may have about this service:

How does wireless Internet work?

Wireless Internet allows wireless-enabled portable devices (such as laptops/notebooks, mobile phones, PDAs etc.) to send and receive data via the Internet without the need for a physical connection (for example a phone cord, wall jack or an ethernet cable) between the device and the network access point. Information is sent via radio frequency signals between the device and the access point, which then relays the data via the server to/from the Internet.

Where can I find wireless Internet access?

Wireless Internet access is currently available at to all library users within the library building.

What equipment do I need?

You need a wireless-enabled laptop/notebook compliant with an 802.11 (a, b, or g) standard. There are no requirements for additional cables or a phone jack, just turn on your wireless-enabled laptop or device and start surfing. Even though most wireless-enabled laptops and devices will be compatible, the Library is unable to offer any guarantee that you might be able to receive a wireless connection. Some manufacturers have online help via their websites, which you could access from one of our public Internet workstations. If you have any questions about the compatibility of your equipment, please consult the product guide, the equipment manufacturer, or the place where you purchased the device. If your laptop/notebook does not come with the built-in wireless networking feature, you may be able to purchase a variety of external wireless networking cards or USB devices. The manufacturer or supplier of your equipment or local computer store can help you find the right product suitable for your equipment. The preferred device and operating system is a laptop/notebook running on Windows XP. You may encounter difficulties connecting to the wireless internet if you are using other devices and/or a different operating system.

How do I connect to the library's wireless network?

You will need to register at the front desk, after which you will be given a network key (an alphanumeric code) which you will need to access the wireless network. (Instructions about how to configure your laptop is available for download).

Why can’t I access the wireless network at certain points in the library?

While the library attempts to make wireless access as available as possible, you may encounter some "weak" spots in a library where wireless reception may be limited. If you have trouble accessing the Internet or staying online please try again at a different location within the library.

Are there any other restrictions in using this service?

All users of our wireless network must comply with our Conditions of Use for Electronic Services Policy. If you are unsure about the Library’s Conditions of Use for Electronic Services Policy, please approach any library staff for assistance. All users should also be aware of the Library’s Computer Use and Internet Policy which is available on the Cambridge Library website under 'Our Services' - 'Library Internet Policy' in PDF format.

Is the library's wireless network secure?

No, the library's public access wireless network is not secure. The library's wireless network does not offer anti-virus protection, or data encryption. Data sent to or from your device could potentially be captured by someone else and any downloaded data could contain viruses, spyware and other security risks. The library is not responsible for any damage, loss of information or loss of privacy that may occur, either directly or indirectly, to any personal equipment or data as a result of using the library's wireless Internet access. (We recommend that you not transmit sensitive information (for example credit card data, Internet banking details, passwords etc. while using the library's wireless network. It is also recommended that you have your own firewall and anti-virus software installed on your equipment).

Is the library’s wireless network filtered?

The wireless internet access offered by Cambridge Library is filtered. However, the library cannot specifically guarantee or be held accountable for the content, quality, accuracy, timeliness, authority, or usefulness of information provided by external websites. By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by the library’s Conditions of Use for Electronic Services Policy. This policy states the limitations of internet access, your responsibilities for using that access and provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable uses. Internet sites accessed in the Library must be appropriate for viewing in a public area. If you are unsure about the Library’s Conditions of Use for Electronic Services Policy, please approach any library staff for assistance.

Will library staff help me configure my computer for wireless access?

Library staff are unable to provide technical support for your equipment. If you are having trouble accessing the library's wireless network from your laptop/notebook, please consult the product guide for your equipment, the equipment manufacturer, or the place where you purchased your equipment.

Can I access software on the library's wireless network?

No. The library's wireless network provides Internet access only. Software programs are only accessible from the library's public PCs.

Can I access the library catalogue from the wireless network?

Yes, browse our website at www.library.cambridge.wa.gov.au and click on the Online Catalogue link in the right-hand navigation column of the page. You will be able to access any of our online databases through this connection as well. Please note that you will need to enter the barcode of your library membership card to access the Library’s subscription databases.

Can I print from my laptop?

Printing is not available via the wireless connection. If you need to print, you may save your work to a floppy disk, USB flash drive or email your work to yourself and then use one of our public workstations to print. Printing is 20 cents per A4 page.

Cambridge Library Conditions of Use for Electronic Services

By accepting the Conditions of Use when enrolling at Cambridge Library, members agree that they will abide by these conditions whilst using these facilities and that in the case of the Internet, that children are only allowed to use computer facilities within the library under parental supervision or that of an alternative accepted Guardian. Alternatively, the parent must sign a waiver agreement.

Members cannot use computing equipment to:

• Transmit inappropriate material;
• Obtain possession of inappropriate material;
• Advertise inappropriate material is available for transmission;
• Request the transmission of inappropriate material; and
• Transmit restricted material to a minor.
• Make or display restricted material available to a minor.
• Material that is inappropriate includes that which may be considered to be pornographic or illegal.
• Members cannot use, or attempt to use newsgroups, Internet relay chat (IRC), chat lines or other similar interactive services.
• Members will not be able to download large amounts of material if it restricts other people’s use of the library’s information technology services.
• Members understand that Internet access is a filtered service to provide some guarantee that inappropriate sites cannot be accessed. However, this cannot ensure complete security as it is the nature of the Internet that new sites are constantly being added not to mention that vast nature of the internet itself which prevents comprehensive monitoring. 
• Members understand that the Town is not responsible for the content of any online services, including its accuracy, authoritativeness, timeliness or usefulness.
• Members understand that the Town cannot be held responsible for breaks in the service due to technical problems outside its control. The nature of the Internet means that some services will occasionally be unavailable without prior notice.
• Members understand that any conduct deemed to be unsuitable (as outlined above) whilst accessing the library’s computing facilities will result in the termination of their current session and they may be barred from use of library facilities.