We're Wi-Fi enabled

People with wi-fi enabled laptop computers are now able to access the internet free of charge at Birkenhead Library.

It is the first time a Wirral library has offered wireless connectivity and if this trial at Birkenhead proves successful it could be introduced at other libraries in the borough in the near future.

People with laptops wishing to take advantage of the wi-fi service simply have to switch on their computer anywhere in the library, log on using details they get from library staff and agree to the Acceptable Use Policy. They then have free, wireless access to the internet for the whole day.

At present, people using Wirral libraries’ own computers to access the ‘net have to pay 50p for every half hour after an initial free half hour.

Wirral Council’s Director of Regeneration, Alan Stennard, said: “Our libraries are seeing an increasing number of people wanting to use their own laptops to access the internet for research purposes.

“We are trialling the wireless connection at Birkenhead and will gauge what the demand is before deciding if and when we will extend it out to other libraries. But I can only see it as beneficial for library users as it means they have access to all the information they need for their research on their own machine.”

People using the wireless facilities have to abide by the same rigid usage policy that people using the library’s own computers agree to.

Ends

Press release issued: March 22 2007