Wi-Fi & Public Computers

Each branch of the Pamunkey Regional Library has computers available for use by the public and a wi-fi network for those who want to use their own laptop or mobile device. Although steel shelving may cause some interference in some locations, you should be able to pick up the wireless signal throughout our buildings.

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In most cases, your device will automatically recognize there is a wireless network to connect to. If not, check that your wireless adapter is correctly installed as per the instructions that came with it. Also, make sure your configuration settings match the following:

Network name (SSID): Look for the branch name and Library (ex. Mechanicsville Library)
Network mode: Infrastructure
WEP: Disabled
IP/Network settings: DCHP-enabled, or automatically obtains IP address
DNS: Automatically obtains DNS address
Gateway: WIFI card obtains automatically with no default set.

Any modified settings should be saved, and, if necessary, your laptop should be restarted.

If you have installed a PFS (Personal Firewall System) make sure it is not blocking the library's internet access. The PFS may need to be disabled, or you may need to authorize access to it. The Library's free Wi-Fi is provided on an unsecured network. It is commonly recommended users have both a firewall and virus checker whenever using the Internet.

Please note: Library staff cannot assist you with your laptop, Wi-Fi card, or configuration settings. The library assumes no responsibility for any damages that may occur due to power surges, problems arising from using an unsecured network, etc. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within three hundred feet. The library also cannot guarantee that you will be able to connect to the wireless network.

Also note:

The library provides mobile printing for laptops and other devices.
Headphones are required when listening to audio files.
When using the online library databases on our wi-fi network, choose "In the Library."
Wi-Fi users are required to follow our library guidelines for computer use.

Anyone who uses the public computers or wi-fi network is expected to abide by our Guidelines for Computer Use.

Pamunkey Regional Library (PRL) Guidelines for Computer Use

All computer users are responsible for abiding by the PRL Guidelines for Computer Use.
For non-residents, a onetime use of computers requires no library card or user registration. Any non-resident with valid identification may use a computer for up to one hour, one time only, after they read and agree to follow Guidelines for Computer Use.
Anyone who has a valid Pamunkey Regional Library card is eligible to check out the use of library computer. If the patron's computer use privileges are suspended or the patron's card is blocked, the patron may not use the computers.
Computer use is available on a first come, first served basis. No advanced reservations will be accepted.
A computer pass will be checked out to the patron and must be displayed at the computer station. The checkout time for the computer use pass may be extended at the discretion of the library staff.
Computer users may not permanently save or copy files on the hard drives of Library computers.
The Library is not responsible for any damages that may occur to users' hardware or software as a result of computer viruses, electrical malfunctions, power surges, etc.
Patrons may download or save files. Downloading must be completed within the patron's time allotment. The Library is not responsible for the correct downloading of files.
Users may attach their own peripherals to public machines. Users are not permitted to install software that may be needed to run this equipment, as any software installation may compromise the safety of our network.
Users may not tamper with or reconfigure computer equipment, software or data belonging to the Library or other patrons. Only the software packages provided by the library are available for public use.
Printing may be done at the current rate charged by the library.
Computer users are bound by local, state, and federal laws relating to copyrights, security, obscenity, pornography and other statutes regarding electronic media. Unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted material is against the law. Violations of the law will be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Computer hardware and software are to be used for Library related activities for which they are assigned. Library computer resources are not to be used for commercial purposes. Use of the Library's computer facilities and information resources must be done in a responsible and appropriate manner, respecting all contractual and license agreements and the rights of other computer users.
The Library advises users not to send personal information, such as name, address, social security number, phone number, or credit card numbers, over the Internet.
Pamunkey Regional Library will not issue e-mail accounts. Patrons may create and use their own web-based e-mail accounts if they choose.
Unlike materials that are purchased for the Library using expert selection criteria, the Internet is an unregulated medium to which selection criteria cannot always be applied. The Library has attempted to solve this matter by listing sites that do meet, to the extent possible, the criteria used in selecting other library materials. Library staff will assist patrons in use of the Library's Home Page and Library selected sites. However, the Library is not responsible for the content, accuracy, validity, availability, and quality of sites not linked to its home page or given in Library publications.
When a parent or legal guardian signs an application for a library card for their child, they have agreed to "take responsibility for the Library resources that my child uses and checks out of the Library." The Pamunkey Regional Library considers the Internet a Library resource and encourages all parents, legal guardians and children to read, Child Safety on the Internet.

THE PAMUNKEY REGIONAL LIBRARY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO LIMIT, RESTRICT OR EXTEND COMPUTER PRIVILEGES AND ACCESS TO ITS INFORMATION RESOURCES AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE AND CONSISTENT WITH LIBRARY POLICIES, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR AND DESIGNEES.

NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE "PRL GUIDELINES FOR COMPUTER USE," MISUSE OR UNAUTHORIZED USE OF LIBRARY COMPUTER FACILITIES AND INFORMATION RESOURCES BY PATRONS MAY RESULT IN DENIAL OF ACCESS TO LIBRARY COMPUTERS OR REVOCATION OF LIBRARY PRIVILEGES.

Revised January 30, 2013