As mentioned above, security should be considered in implementing a wireless network. Patrons should be aware that their laptop might be at risk when joining any network. Once a user logs on, any other user might be able to browse into another user’s computer. Because of this, users should have their personal firewalls on their computers enabled.

If the library does not block the users from a particular task, users generally take advantage of the multiple applications. For instance they may surf the Internet, download files, chat with friends, play games, listen to streaming audio with headphones, watch streaming video or file share. Since some file sharing is illegal, your institution may block some file share programs at the firewall level.

A wireless Internet policy might address issues related to bandwidth. For instance the Menlo Park Library’s policy states: “The bandwidth available for the wireless Internet connection is shared with all others in the library. To show consideration for others’ needs, we ask that you not download excessively large files, use peer-to-peer file sharing programs, or access streaming audio/video.”

The wireless Internet use policy can be posted on the library walls or users may be required to accept the policy before using the wireless network. Posting a policy may also help the library when faced with illegal activity performed on the network.

A potential threat to libraries might occur if a user logs on to the network while infected with a virus. His or her computer might use up all the network resources, which would block other users from accessing the wireless network. If the wireless network is part of the larger library network, limiting the network bandwidth prevents a user from inadvertently bringing down the entire network. If you library purchases network monitoring tools, identifying such users is quick and easy, and the user can be asked to log off, or be logged off remotely by staff.