The Oceanside Public Library offers free wireless access to the Internet via wireless fidelity or “Wi-Fi” at both the Civic Center and Mission Branch Libraries. This service allows patrons to access the Internet at “hot spots” inside the libraries using their own laptop computers or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

The Library’s public wireless network is open to anyone who agrees to abide by the Library’s Internet Access Policy. This policy prohibits abusive, offensive and illegal activities while inside the facility or while using the Library’s Internet connection.

Library patrons will need to provide their own equipment with an installed Wi-Fi network card. Library staff can verify that the wireless network is operating, but they cannot troubleshoot problems related to the patron’s hardware, software or configurations. Please note that the Library cannot guarantee a particular device will work with the Library’s access points.

Wi-Fi users do not need to have a library card to access the wireless hotspots. In addition, no special encryption settings, user names or passwords are required. Patrons will not have access to the Library printers through the Wi-Fi connection. To print, work should be saved to a disk or e-mailed to the patron’s account and then accessed on a device that is connected to a printer.

At this time, the Wi-Fi connection is available 8 AM to 8 PM, seven days per week. The speed of the service will be slower during times when more people are using the connection. Wi-Fi users should not unplug any other library equipment to plug in their own devices. Users should look for outlets marked with a Wi-Fi label or ask a staff member for assistance in locating an available outlet.

Patrons should take appropriate precautions when using this service. Wi-Fi users assume all risks and responsibilities associated with using the Library’s hotspots. The Library is not liable for any consequences of wireless network access including: loss of data, transmission of computer viruses and the interception of sensitive data. The Library recommends Wi-Fi users provide anti-virus protection and appropriate security settings on their own equipment.

Approved December 19, 2005 – Library Board of Trustees
OCEANSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY