Wi-Fi Access

Is there an access fee? No.  Mason Public Library is providing this service free of charge to its patrons. You must have a Mason Public Library card (available free of charge – with proof of address). Patrons must have their own equipment, wireless card and software, and must agree to our Internet Use Policy.

Can I print out a page to the Library printers from my wi-fi connection?  Yes!  The library now has Mobile Print Services.  Please use the PrinterOn link to print to the library printers.  Charges are 0.15/page for black and white and 0.50/page for color prints.   Here are the Mobile Print Service instructions.

Is the wireless access filtered? Yes.  The library is required to provide some filtering on the wireless access to comply with The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Ohio SB 144.   As always, the use of the wireless access by minors should be closely monitored by a parent/guardian. 

Is the network secure? Mason Public Library’s wireless is as secure as any open public access network. It’s always a good idea to make sure you are on an SSL-encrypted web page prior to sending or receiving confidential data. The Library is not responsible for any loss or liability that may occur as a result of the disclosure of financial or other personal information over the Library’s public computer services, including Internet and electronic mail use. Users should be aware that use of public computers is not a private or secure medium, and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding user’s activities. Users should also be aware that Library staff may monitor use of the computers for the limited purpose of ensuring compliance with this Policy, and hereby consent to such monitoring.

Where do I go for help if I am having a problem connecting? Library staff can give the basic instructions for connecting to the wireless network. However, library staff is not permitted to handle your laptop or peripheral equipment. For more complex issues relating to your Wi-Fi card and its configuration software, consult your owner’s manual and/or customer support number direction.                                                                                

What equipment do I need? You need a laptop or notebook computer, or a personal device equipped with a standard Internet browser and a Wi-Fi compliant (802.11g) wireless card.

I use a Mac instead of a Windows-based machine. Can I still use this service? Yes, all you need is an Airport card or other 802.11g compatible wireless card and the appropriate software installed.

What do I need to connect my laptop to the Internet in the library?

1. A laptop with a wireless card (801.11 a/b/g).
2. A network connection configured for DHCP (more information available under help in your start menu).
3. A valid MPL library card . Ask at the Circulation Desk near the front entrance if you need a card.
4. A Polaris PIN number or password, assigned at the time you received your card.

Is there an access fee?
This service is free to all residents and guests. If you do not have a library card, please go to the Circulation Desk located by the front entrance.

Where can I connect?
Signal strength is dependent upon a variety of factors, and you may need to try a couple of locations to get the strongest signal.

Be sure you connect to Wireless Network: MasonLibWireless

Can I print?
Printing is not available via personal laptops. You may wish to transfer documents to a Web-based personal e-mail account and then log into one of the library’s Internet stations to print out your documents.

How do I connect?

5. Turn your laptop on.
6. Find a location with a strong signal.Once your desktop is up, start your Web browser. If you see a “Security Alert” message, click the “yes” button to continue. It is recommended that you allow popups for the login/logout to work correctly.

7. You should see the following login screen for wireless access:

8. Scroll to bottom of screen to get to login shown on next page:

9. Enter your 14-digit library card number (with no spaces) in the User Name field.
10. Enter your Polaris password in the Password field. Note that you received this number when you got your library card.
11. Click on the “Enter” button. You should see the following popup box:

12. Leave the success screen open (you may want to minimize it) until you are finished with your session. Click the “Logout” button to close the connection.

How do I get help if it doesn’t work?
Below are some common problems and solutions. Please be aware that our staff cannot assist you in changing the settings on your personal equipment.

PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS

PROBLEM:“Error” screen message displays when attempting to log in.

SOLUTIONS: Try re-entering your barcode number and PIN. If this does not solve the problem, go to the Reference desk to have a staff member verify your Polaris PIN.

PROBLEM: Connection works, but some Web sites and utilities do not work.

SOLUTION: The library uses a firewall to secure its network. In doing so, some services and “ports” are blocked, which may prevent access to some services and sites.The personal firewall on the your laptop may interfere with websites displaying, make sure you go to your control panel and turn off your personal firewall (it is automatically enabled on all WinXP machines), you are protected by the library’s firewall within the building so do not forget to re-enable your personal firewall before your leave.

NOTE: Library staff can only give general login assistance. They are not permitted to handle/adjust any of your wireless equipment.