Library Services and Collections

Wireless Access FAQs

• Which Madison Public Libraries have wireless internet access?
• Is there a limit as to how much time I can spend on your wireless network?
• May I use the library's wireless network after you're closed?
• How much does wireless access cost?
• Can my laptop access the library’s wireless network? How can I tell?
• How do I know if I have one of the two types of wireless standards (802.11b and 802.11g) you support?
• I have the right software and hardware and the wireless network is not coming up, and I clicked on my wireless icon but nothing’s happening. What now?
• I just can’t make my machine work on your wireless network. Is there anywhere else I can go downtown?
• I can’t get my laptop connected—can you fix it so it will work?
• My battery is running low—where can I plug in?
• Do you have headphones I can use?
• What is the ‘less secure wireless environment’ I saw mentioned on the internet use policy screen that comes up when I log into the public internet machines at Central Library?
• The wireless network connection went down and my document was lost. What can I do?
• How do I use the library's computers for internet access?
• I've used wireless at Madison Public Library before, and I can see your access point with my wireless software, but can't connect. What's wrong?
• Your wireless network automatically comes up on my screen, but when I try to access the internet I get a 'page not found' message.
• It looks like I am connected to the library's wireless network but I cannot bring up any web sites and I was not prompted to enter a key code.
• I've got a Mac laptop but I'm having trouble connecting. Any thing I can try?
• Can I print from my laptop to the Library's printers?

Which Madison Public Libraries have wireless internet access?

All locations have wireless access.

Is there a limit as to how much time I can spend on your wireless network?

Not at this time. Feel free to log on and stay on as long as the library is open.

May I use the library's wireless network after you're closed?

No, most libraries don't broadcast far enough to reach outside the library, so the network is shut down when the library is closed.

How much does wireless access cost?

Wireless internet access is free at all library locations.

Can my laptop access the library’s wireless network? How can I tell?

1) Try putting your mouse over the icons on the lower right of your task bar (to the far right of the Start button, near the clock.) If you hold the mouse there for a second or two, it will tell you what each of the icons is for. One may be for wireless. If it is, click it explore the window that comes up.

2) Try clicking on Start, then Programs and looking through the list for your wireless program.

3) Your device may generate a pop up menu (generally at the bottom right of your screen) that says it has found a wireless connection.

How do I know if I have one of the two types of wireless standards (802.11b and 802.11g) you support?

Nearly everyone will have one of those two types. If you want to check, either click on the wireless icon on your computer (lower right of the screen) or if you have a removable adapter, turn off your computer, pull it out and check the label.

I have the right software and hardware and the wireless network is not coming up, and I clicked on my wireless icon but nothing’s happening. What now?

Wait at least 5 minutes for your machine to finish booting up. If there is still no sign of our network, try moving to the first floor nearer to the reference desk or help desk.

Also:

• Make sure your wireless card is inserted
• Check the manual for your wireless card
• Check that the network settings for your card are set to " obtain an IP address automatically "
• Try to stop/start the card or even reboot your computer

I just can’t make my machine work on your wireless network. Is there anywhere else I can go?

Use the Wisconsin State Journal's Wi-Fi spots in Madison database to find a recent list of all spots and businesses that offer free wireless access in Madison.

Other spots in Madison and Wisconsin can be found on the Wi-Fi FreeSpot Directory or find out about coverage in the downtown area at MADCity Broadband (there's a fee). UW-Madison also offers wireless access to UW-Madison students, faculty, staff and guests.

I can’t get my laptop connected—can you fix it so it will work?

We can’t troubleshoot machines that don’t belong to Madison Public Library. In fact, we won’t touch your machine at all. (We don’t want to damage your machines or documents, and can’t be responsible for your machine in any way.)

My battery is running low—where can I plug in?

Please charge your battery before coming to the library, as we can’t guarantee there will be an outlet available for you. Here’s a map of electrical outlets at the Central Library. Check with staff at branch libraries for the closest electrical outlet.

Do you have headphones I can use?

We only have headphones for use with Madison Public Library’s own machines. If you plan to listen to any audio on your device, you must use your own headphones.

What is the ‘less secure wireless environment’ I saw mentioned on the internet use policy screen that comes up when I log into the public internet machines at Central Library?

Because of the addition of wireless access at Central Library, the machines on the City network (machines 1-10 and 15-19) may be less secure from spying and snooping by other users than they used to be. People with the right software using their own laptop in the library may be able to capture your keystrokes. Please be aware of this, and consider whether you want to use these machines for personal information.

The wireless network connection went down and my document was lost. What can I do?

There may be times when the network goes down unexpectedly. We suggest saving your work often to prevent the loss of your work. The library assumes no responsibility for your equipment, settings, data, or files.

I've used wireless at Madison Public Library before, and I can see your access point with my wireless software, but can't connect. What's wrong?

If you have been to another Madison Public Library branch in the last few days, check to see if your connection settings have given you an IP address number and a DNS number. (You'll need to know how to do this yourself.) If it has not, at your wireless window, try to refresh and reconnect to the Madison Public Library access point. It may take 2-3 times and up to 2-5 minutes to renew the settings.

Your wireless network automatically comes up on my screen, but when I try to access the internet I get a 'page not found' message.

We have a secure network, so you need to connect using our password. Try clicking on the wireless icon on your task bar (usually on the bottom right). Look for a 'connect' box or a place to type the password. Typically you need to type the password twice, in two different boxes, one below the other.

It looks like I am connected to the library's wireless network but I cannot bring up any web sites and I was not prompted to enter a key code.

This can happen because the wireless setup of your computer not opening the WEP security window where you need to enter the WEP key code. Changing the wireless security settings to 64Bit WEP encryption should fix this.  After you make the changes attempt to reconnect to the library's site and you should know be asked to enter a key code. When moving between sites that are unsecured (no password or key code) and secured (pass code required) you may need change this setting each time.

I've got a Mac laptop but I'm having trouble connecting. Any thing I can try?

In the Network Diagnostics window, click AirPort. If it asks, click reconfigure and then continue. Then a window should open where you can type the WEP password.

Can I print from my laptop to the Library's printers?

Only if you have a Macintosh laptop or one with Microsoft VISTA, and only if you are at South Madison Branch, Hawthorne Branch or Central Library.

If you do choose to print, you'll need to pay 10 cents per page of printing (even if it is a 'junk' page) and be sure to choose the right printer.

The IP address  for the printer at Hawthorne branch is 192.168.200.21
The IP address for the printer at South Madison Branch is 192.168.200.22
The IP address for the printer at Central Library is 192.168.200.20

Outlets for Laptops: RED STARS indicate tables or carrels with electrical outlets.

Central Library:

First Floor

Second Floor