Continuing problems with WiFi access
For some months Library users have had problems using our free WiFi service. You may have experienced difficulty connecting, slow access or unexpected disconnection. The severity of disruption varies depending on the time of day, but is most apparent in the late afternoon, when the service is busiest.
We wish to apologise to users for these continuing problems and any frustration experienced as a result. We are working hard, alongside the service provider RegenerateIT, to resolve all issues and deliver a more robust service.
Remedial work is ongoing and involves checking cabling and switches, and replacing or upgrading equipment in order to improve and optimise network performance.
To avoid exacerbating service problems we recommend users keep their devices updated with operating system and security updates. In addition, a significant number of service users now have multiple wireless-capable devices (laptop, tablet, smartphone) which may be configured to connect automatically to wireless networks if detected. In order to maximise service capacity for everyone, we request that you connect your primary device only.
Updates on the progress made in improving the service will follow in the coming weeks. Thanks once again for your patience and cooperation.
Pre-register for the British Library WiFi service
If you want to register for the service before your visit
Pre-register for WiFi
Update your profile
If your details have changed, or you want to register your mobile phone, please click on the link below, log in, click on 'Account services' and make your amendments
Update my WiFi profile
What do I need to get online?
a laptop or PDA with WLAN capability
This means built-in Wireless LAN capability (such as Intel Centrino) or an added WiFi card (PCMCIA wireless card or USB wireless adapter for a laptop or Compact Flash card for a PDA). The British Library WiFi network supports any wireless device that conforms to the 802.11 b/g WiFi standards.
a web browser
Please note that if you connect to the British Library’s power supply, the Library will not accept responsibility for any resulting damage to your equipment.
How do I get online?
To connect to the British Library wireless network, view the available wireless networks on your device in the usual way and select the BritishLibrary network.
Once you have connected to the wireless network, launch your web browser and you will be presented with the British Library landing page, where you can access visitor information and the British Library's online catalogues.
For full internet access log in if you have already registered, or click on the registration link on the landing page to register and follow the on-screen instructions.
There is no facility for using accounts provided by other service providers on the British Library wireless network.
Instructions
Windows XP
- Click on Start, then Control Panel
- Double-click on Network Connections
- Right-click on Wireless Network Connection and select View Available Wireless Networks
- Select BritishLibrary in the Choose a wireless network dialogue box and select Connect.
If you are prompted that the network you are connecting to is an unsecured network, choose Connect Anyway.
- Launch your web browser to open the WiFi network landing page, where you can access British Library resources or the internet.
If the landing page does not appear, check that your device is configured to get Internet Protocol (IP) details automatically:
- Select Start/Control Panel, then double-click Network Connections.
- Right-click on Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.
- Click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) then select Properties
- Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
- Select OK then OK again.
Open your web browser again; if the landing page still does not appear, refer to Web browser configuration.
Windows Vista
- Click on the Start button and select Connect To from the menu on the right to display the Connect to a network dialogue box.
- Select the network called BritishLibrary and then click Connect.
If you are prompted that the network you are connecting to is an unsecured network, choose Connect Anyway.
Once the connection is established, you will be prompted to save your connection by checking the Save this network box, and to have the connection start automatically by checking the Start this connection automatically box. It is up to you whether you choose to do this.
- Launch your web browser to open the WiFi network landing page, where you can access British Library resources or log in to access the internet.
- If the landing page does not appear, check that your device is configured to get Internet Protocol (IP) details automatically:
- Click on the Start button and select Connect To from the menu on the right to display the Connect to a network dialogue box.
- Select Open Network and Sharing Center in the bottom left corner of the dialogue box.
- Select Manage network connections on the left panel of the Network and Sharing Center.
- Right-click on Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
- Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically, then select OK, then Close.
Open your web browser again; if the landing page still does not appear, refer to Web browser configuration
Windows 7
- Click on Start, then Control Panel
- Click on Network and Internet
- Under the Network and Sharing Center heading, click on Connect to a network
- A window will pop-up where available networks are displayed – select BritishLibrary then click Connect.
If the landing page does not appear, check that your device is configured to get Internet Protocol (IP) details automatically:
- Click on Start, then Control Panel
- Under Network and Internet click on View network status and tasks
- In the left panel, click on Change adapter settings
- Right-click on Wireless Network Connection and select Properties
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties
- Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically, then select OK then Close.
Macintosh OS X
- Click on AirPort in the toolbar and select Turn AirPort On.
- Select BritishLibrary from the list of available wireless networks.
- A dialogue box will appear asking whether you would like to join this network in the future. Click yes if you would like to add the network to your trusted network sites to enable automatic connection.
- Launch your web browser to open the wi-fi network landing page, where you can access British Library resources or log in to access the internet.
If the landing page does not appear, check that your device is configured to get Internet Protocol (IP) details automatically:
- Click on Systems Preference on the Apple menu.
- Click on the Network icon in the Internet Network section.
- Under the Show menu, choose AirPort.
- Click on TCP/IP.
- Choose Using DHCP in the Configure IPv4 menu.
- Click Apply now.
Open your web browser again; if the landing page still does not appear, refer to Web browser configuration.
Web browser configuration
Your web browser should be set to NOT use a proxy server.
Microsoft® Internet Explorer
- Select Tools/Internet Options from the Internet Explorer menu bar.
- Select the Connections tab.
- Select LAN settings.
Ensure that the following options are NOT selected:
- Automatically detect settings
- Use automatic configuration script
- Use a proxy server for your LAN
- Select OK then OK again.
- Restart your browser and the British Library Wi-Fi network landing page should appear.
Mozilla Firefox
- Select Tools/Options…from the Firefox menu bar.
- Select Advanced at the top of the Options box.
- Select the Network tab.
- Select Settings…
- Select Direct connection to the Internet.
- Select OK then OK again.
- Restart your browser and the British Library WiFi network landing page should appear.
What should I do if I can't see the British Library wireless network?
If you cannot see the wireless network on your list of available wireless networks you may have a problem with your wireless network adapter. You can try the following
- Ensure that your wireless card is turned on. Some laptops have a switch.
- Move closer to the access point. You may be sitting outside the coverage area.
- Try again. Some wireless adapters can take a minute or two to detect all available wireless networks.
- Restart your laptop or PDA. Sometimes operating systems can get in a muddle if they repeatedly detect and lose a network - a reboot can fix this.
Still having problems?
Although the service is simple to use, there may be times when you need additional help. If, having followed the instructions, you are still having problems connecting to the wireless network or registering with the service please call the helpline on +44 (0)20 8966 1250 (during British Library St Pancras opening hours).
We regret that it is not possible for British Library staff to offer help with connecting to the wireless network.