Wireless Internet Policy

Usage Policy for Internet Access Points
at the State Library of Kansas
August 15, 2005 (Revised Nov. 2006)

1. Provision of Internet access points An Internet access point, also known as a “hot spot,” is a specific geographic location in which an access point provides public wireless broadband network services to mobile visitors through a wireless local area network. In an effort to provide a needed public service to our patrons, the State Library of Kansas provides free Internet access points or "hot spots" for users with portable computers capable of receiving wireless signals.  These access points will allow users to access the Internet from their laptop computers, WiFi-equipped PDAs and other personal digital devices when sitting within range of the access points.  Printers are not available via the wireless connection.
   
   
2. Password managementThe State Library of Kansas will provide guest passwords for Statehouse users of Internet access points.  Recipients of a guest password will provide the State Library a phone number and e-mail address.Guest passwords will be provided to users for a period of either one month (30 days from the date of issuance) or for the remaining days of the legislative session.  Guest passwords for the remaining days of the session will be before the start of the session and any time after the start of the session for any given year.The State Library will maintain a database of active guest passwords and recipient e-mail addresses or phone numbers.  The State Library will not document the name of password recipients.The State Library will maintain each password record until the password period expires and then will delete the record.All use of the passwords is assumed to be performed by the person assigned to the password.  Should the password become compromised, it is the duty of the recipient to notify the State Library and obtain a new password.The State Library will develop a naming mechanism for new passwords and maintain a list of available passwords as a secure document.
   
   
3. User responsibilitiesUsers must abide by the State Library’s rules concerning acceptable use, i.e. no attempts to attack the State Library’s system or those of others and no illegal behavior.  Violation of these rules will result in a loss of library privileges. 
   Users are responsible for making sure their computers have the correct settings and necessary hardware.  Library staff cannot assist users in configuring their equipment or troubleshooting problems.  Users should refer to their owners' manuals or other support services offered by their computer manufacturer.  The library cannot guarantee that a user's hardware will work with the library's wireless connection.
   
   
4. Security of public wireless Internet access Wireless Ethernet is insecure by default.  Any user on the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) can spy on unencrypted traffic from other wireless users. The State Library’s public “hot spots” are unencrypted for open access.  Taking wise security precautions is advised. There can be non-trustworthy third parties between the user and anybody with whom the user communicates.  Any information being sent or received could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user.  Cautious and informed wireless users should not transmit their credit card information, passwords or any other sensitive personal information while using any wireless "hot spot."The State Library will not be responsible for any personal information (e.g. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to the patron’s hardware or software due to electrical surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking.  All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their personal laptop computers or wireless devices. Laptops and other devices should never be left unattended in the State Library, even for brief periods of time.  The State Library assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of any kind to a user's equipment, software, data files or other personal property brought into or used at the State Library's facilities.
   
   
5. Internet use policyBy choosing to use this free wireless service you agree to abide by the Internet Use Policy of the State Library of Kansas:  Users are expected to use the library's wireless access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided.  Users should not violate federal, state or local laws, including the transmission or receiving of child pornography or harmful material, fraud, or downloading copyright material.

    

Last update:  11/30/05

Blue Skyways | Kansas Center for the Book
Audio Books, Music & More | Homework Kansas | State Data Center | Talking Books

State Library of Kansas, Capitol Building, Room 343-N, 300 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1593
infodesk@kslib.info | Phone: 785.296.3296 or toll free: 1.800.432.3919