All Washington County Libraries Now Offer Free Wireless Internet Access

For immediate Release
Date: September 18, 2009

Contact: Jodi Nielsen, Senior Program Educator
Washington County Cooperative Library Services
www.wccls.org
503-846-3235

Washington County, Oregon: The Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) is pleased to announce the installation of a new wireless network to provide free high-speed Internet access for the public at the WCCLS member libraries. While some libraries have offered wireless access for several years, this project expands that to include all libraries in the countywide system. Adding free wireless access along side the "wired" Internet workstations helps both libraries and patrons.

Due to high demand from the public, libraries struggle to provide enough PCs, wiring, electrical outlets, tables, etc., and patrons frequently must wait in line, and have a limited amount of time to use the Internet. Now fully installed — the expanded wireless network allows anyone with a WCCLS library card and a laptop, iPhone, iPod Touch or mobile device to access the free public wireless network and there are no session/use limits. According to Eva Calcagno, Manager of the Cooperative Library Services, “the goal is to provide 100% coverage in all libraries, meaning that a patron can access the network from anywhere in the library building, and maybe outside a bit, too.”

Installation of the wireless network began in June. Implementation began with the smaller member libraries that did not yet offer any wireless access, and then proceeded to the Cooperative's other member libraries. Cost for the hardware, equipment, wiring, software and maintenance are part of the WCCLS budget and were included in the 4-year WCCLS local option levy approved by voters in November 2006.

According to J.T. White, the WCCLS Network Analyst, “the Cooperative Library Services implemented this project to provide standards-based wireless access for the public at member libraries.” The centrally supported project saves member libraries the cost of installing and maintaining local wireless networks or continuing to purchase and install wired PCs to meet the increasing public demand for library and Internet services.

Patrons will need a valid WCCLS library card number and password to access the network. For additional details please visit the Cooperative Library Services website, www.wccls.org, or visit one of the WCCLS member libraries.