Computer Terminals
Public Internet Access
The Martins Ferry Public Library provides free high-speed internet access to library patrons. Use of these computers is on a first-come first-serve basis. All library patrons must adhere to the library's Internet Use Policy. You are required to show a photo ID or your library card.
Wireless Internet Access
We are pleased to offer wireless Internet access to patrons. Here are some answers to questions you may have about this service:
- How can I use the wireless access?
While in the main library you may now connect your 802.11b
or 802.11g
wireless device(s) and receive high-speed Internet access completely free of charge. Many devices will be able to automatically detect the wireless network.
- My device can't detect the wireless network automatically; what settings do I need to use?
The following basic settings should allow you to connect to the wireless network:
The encryption key or password is
mfpllibrary
- Network Name/SSID: Library
- Network Mode: Infrastructure
- WEP: Disabled
- IP/Network Settings: Automatically obtain a network address (DHCP)
- DNS: Your device will automatically obtain the DNS address along with a network address
- Gateway: Your device will automatically obtain the gateway address along with a network address
- What if I don't know how to configure or troubleshoot my wireless device?
Library staff are not trained to help with these problems. All patrons who want to use this service are expected to know how to configure their own equipment. If your computer does not seem to be connecting correctly, we recommend you contact the manufacturer. Some manufacturers have online help via their webpages, which you could access from one of our public Internet workstations. Staff will not be able to assist you with changing settings and the library is not responsible for any changes you make to your settings. In addition, the library cannot guarantee that your equipment will work with this service.
- Will my information be safe while I'm connected?
No. when using any wireless connection, you should assume that your data is not protected. Be aware of this while transferring or entering sensitive information.
- Can I print while using the wireless network?
Sorry, printing is not available through this connection. You may, however, save files to a floppy disk or USB flash drive and print using our public Internet PCs.
- Can I access the library catalog from the wireless network?
Yes, browse to our website at www.mfpl.org and click on the Search the Catalog link on the left side of the web page. You will be able to access any of our online databases through this connection as well.
Software Programs
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donated most of MFPL's public access computers. All Branch locations have color printers for the computers. The computers are running Windows 7. The software programs include:
AGREEMENT FOR
USE OF THE OPLIN INTERNET WORKSTATION at the MARTINS FERRY
PUBLIC LIBRARY
If you wish to use the Martins Ferry Public Library’s
OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network) workstations,
to access OPLIN databases, the Internet and library databases,
you must agree to the following terms and sign this agreement
in the library:
1. I agree to deposit a valid library card, from Martins
Ferry or from some other library, or other form of identification,
at the circulation desk before using an OPLIN workstation.
Martins Ferry has five branches: Bethesda, Bridgeport,
Flushing (Victoria Read), Powhatan Point, and Shadyside.
One library card and one agreement from the system work
at all branches.
2. I agree to use the OPLIN workstation as an informational
resource of the Martins Ferry Public Library. I will not
use them for any unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purpose;
and I will not intentionally create, receive, or display
text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as pornographic,
obscene, or offensive to library customers or staff.
3. I agree to limit my time at an OPLIN workstation to
one 90 minute segment per day so that others can also use
it; and I agree that during very busy times I will comply
with staff requests to limit my time even further. If
there is no demand for an OPLIN workstation after my
session, I may be able to continue to use that workstation
with the understanding another user can replace me at
any time following my initial session.
4. If I have an e-mail account through some other
provider, I may access it, but I will not utilize the
OPLIN workstations as my primary access to e-mail. OPLIN
and the Martins Ferry Public Library cannot supply e-mail
accounts to users of OPLIN or of the Martins Ferry Public
Library.
5. I understand that most of the information available
from the Internet is not generated by the Martins Ferry
Public Library or by OPLIN. Information available through
OPLIN workstations is not warranted by the Martins Ferry
Public Library or by OPLIN to be accurate, factual, authoritative
or complete. As a library consumer, I will use this information
at my own risk. As an individual I will be responsible
for determining what I wish to view and access through
the Internet. I will not hold the Martins Ferry Public
Library or OPLIN responsible for offensive or inappropriate
materials that may be found in some Internet files.
6. Tampering with the library computers in any way may
result in loss of privileges, either for a short time
or permanently. Do not add personal shortcuts or other
toolbars. The computers should be left as they are found.
Bring any problems to the attention of the librarian.
7. The Martins Ferry Public Library has professional
librarians to assist with research and can recommend serious
sites for information.
8. Children under the age of 18 must have their parent
or legal guardian sign the OPLIN agreement.
