Wireless in the Library
What is Wireless?
Wireless network access enables you to connect your laptop to the Internet and other networked resources, without plugging into a network port. You can work in areas that don't have Internet ports, and move from place to place without having to reconnect or restart your computer.
How does it work?
Wireless network access can be activated on most laptop computers by using built-in internal hardware or by attaching an external wireless adapter card. Adapter cards are available for loan from the circulation desks at Hawthorne-Longfellow and Hatch Science Libraries.
Wireless Availability:
Hawthorne-Longfellow Library: Coverage is nearly 100% - see the maps below for details.
Hatch Science Library: Coverage is nearly 100% - see the maps below for details.
Art Library: The entire library is covered.
Hubbard Stacks: Coverage is strong in the 6th floor reading room, and in the stacks on floors 3 through 5 - on floors 1 and 2 coverage is incomplete (a better signal is available on the side towards the music building and in the back towards Hubbard Hall.
Music Library: The entire library is covered.
Other Campus Locations: Many other locations on campus now have wireless access, including Smith Union, Thorne Dining Hall and most of the Quad!
How do I activate access for my laptop?
If you have your own wireless hardware or access card, you must register it to activate access to the Bowdoin wireless network. Go to the Mymail website (http://mymail.bowdoin.edu). Type in your user name and password to open the Account Manager page, then select "Wireless Card Activation." Fill in the card's Physical Address to register. This registration gives you access to the Bowdoin wireless network in those designated areas where access points have been installed.
How do I borrow a wireless card for my laptop? Can I borrow a laptop for use in the libraries?
Bowdoin students, faculty and staff members may borrow wireless access cards at Hawthorne-Longfellow and Hatch Science Libraries. (Laptops also are available; see policies below.)
- Bring your ID card to the Circulation desk and check out a wireless card.
- Some laptops come with wireless drivers already installed. If the drivers are installed on your laptop, just insert the wireless card and you're ready to go!
- If the drivers have not been installed on your laptop, you will have to install them the first time you use a wireless card. You may borrow an installation cd-rom with the driver software at the Hawthorne-Longfellow Circulation desk.
- Printed instructions are available to help you install the drivers and use the wireless card. If you need assistance, contact the IT Help Desk at x3030, Reach Desk at x5050, or ask a Circulation staff member for help.
Loan policies for wireless cards and laptop computers:
- Laptops are available for IN-LIBRARY USE ONLY. They may not be checked out overnight. They may be borrowed for three hours, and renewed for an additional two hours.
- Wireless cards can be checked out and removed from the library building. They may be borrowed for five hours, and renewed for an additional three hours. They may be checked out overnight.
- The number of laptops and wireless cards available is limited; you are asked to be considerate of the needs of other borrowers. Overdue fines for laptops and wireless cards will be $1.00 per hour. Wireless cards not returned in a timely fashion may be deactivated.
- You are responsible for equipment checked out to you! Please use the laptop lock provided, and do not leave laptops or wireless cards unattended. You will be charged replacement costs for lost or damaged laptops or wireless cards.
Some tips about wireless:
- Wireless network access does not offer the same level of security as regular wired access. It should not be used for connecting to the network for work that requires a high level of security.
- Watch for announcements of other campus locations with wireless access.
Call the Help Desk at x3030, or Reach Desk at x5050, for assistance with wireless access or other computing questions.