1. What exactly is WiFi?
WiFi is the popular term for the technology that allows computing devices to connect to data networks without a physical cable, using radio waves instead.
2. Is WiFi secure?
Using WiFi with securely configured software and hardware is low risk. Users should enable personal firewall software or features on their device, run antivirus software where appropriate, and keep their operating system software up-to-date (all of which is also true for wired connections).
3. Are there any health risks associated with the use of WiFi?
The UK Health Protection Agency offers the following advice regarding WiFi networks at the time of writing:
“On the basis of current scientific information, exposures from WiFi equipment satisfy international guidelines. There is no consistent evidence of health effects from RF [radio frequency] exposures below guideline levels and no reason why schools and others should not use WiFi equipment. Based on current knowledge, RF exposures from WiFi are likely to be lower than those from mobile phones.”
4. Do I have to pay to use the Library’s public WiFi service?
No, the public WiFi service is free of charge.
5. Do I have to register to use the Library’s public WiFi service?
You do not have to register to access the Library’s website and services, but if you want to access the Internet, then you will need to register.
Please note: even when registered, you will not be able to access the same e-resources as in the Reading rooms, as these are mostly subscription services, and currently the licences do not allow us to make them available more widely. You will, of course, be able to access web mail and texting services.
In addition, please note that web filtering software is in place, to prevent access to websites which are inappropriate for viewing in a public area. Please see the Guidelines for British Library users for appropriate use of the public WiFi service.
6. Do I have to be a registered British Library reader to use the Library’s public WiFi service?
No, anyone can register for the service. You do not need to enter a reader number when asked; just leave the box blank and click on ‘Next’ to continue.
7. I registered to use the old service at the start of 2010. Do I need to register again?
As you registered after October 2009, you won’t need to register again.
Please note: once registered, if you do not use the service for a year, your profile will expire. If this happens, you will need to re-register when you next want to use the service.
8. I registered to use the service when I was here at the end of 2008, and haven’t used it since then. What do I do?
As it’s been over a year since you last used the service, you will need to register again.
9. Some of my details have changed, so I want to update my profile. How do I do this?
If you are in the Library, go to the WiFi landing page, click on the appropriate link and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you’re at home, just go to the page on the website about the WiFi service. Click on the ‘Update my WiFi profile’ link to access the home page of the service, log in, choose ‘Account services’ and then follow the instructions to update your profile.
10. How do I register my mobile phone to receive password reminders via text message?
If you are in the Library, go to the WiFi landing page, click on the appropriate link and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you’re at home, just go to the page on the website about the WiFi service. Click on the ‘Update my WiFi profile’ link to access the home page of the service, log in, choose ‘Account services’ and add the details of your mobile phone to your profile from there.
11. Can I register for the service before I come to the Library?
Yes, you can. Just go to the page on the website about the WiFi service. Click on the ‘Pre-register for WiFi’ link to access the home page of the service, and you register from there. Please note: you will only be able to access the WiFi service when you are on Library premises.
12. I am attending an event at the Library. Can I use the service?
Yes, you can. If you’re only going to be using the Library website or services, you can do so without registering. If you want to access the general Internet, then you will need to register for the service.
You can do this before you come to the event at the Library, by going to the page on the website about the WiFi service. Click on the ‘Pre-register for WiFi’ link to access the home page of the service, and you register from there. Please note: you will only be able to access the WiFi service when you are on Library premises.
13. What hours is the service available?
The service is available during Library opening hours.
14. How far does the physical range extend?
At St. Pancras, the service is available in all Reading Rooms and public areas, apart from inside the café on the piazza. At Colindale, the service is available in the reading room and in the public lounge, and at Boston Spa, the service is available in the reading room.
15. Are users allocated time slots to use the service?
No, use of the service is unlimited. If, however, you are logged on but don’t use the service, you will be timed out and will need to log in again.
16. WiFi at the Library seems slower than my service at home. Why is this?
If you use WiFi at home, there’s a good chance that you will be the only person using it at any given time. The set-up is different in a public WiFi service, where the bandwidth is shared between everyone using the service at the same time. Consequently, if a lot of people are logged on, this could have an adverse effect on the speed. Part of the upgrade to the public WiFi service will allow the Library to manage periods of peak usage more efficiently.
17. Can I plug my laptop into a power socket at the Library, or do I have to rely on battery power?
If you’re in one of the Library’s Reading Rooms, you may use the power sockets on Reader desks providing they are not being used by Library equipment. You may not connect to any other power socket in the public areas. See further information on use of power sockets. Please note: you should not unplug Library equipment under any circumstances.
In some public areas, furniture has been provided where people may sit and use their laptops. There are usually power sockets which can be used in these areas.
Please note: the Library reserves the right to carry out safety checks on your equipment as necessary.
18. Who should I contact if I have difficulties accessing WiFi?
Please contact out helpline service on +44 (0) 20 8966 1250 (during Library opening hours).
If you have any further queries, please contact Service Improvement by emailing service-improvement@bl.uk or writing to:
The British Library
Service Improvement
FREEPOST LON 12686
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2QY