Alabaster library to offer wireless internet access
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, April 11, 2006
This summer patrons of the Albert L. Scott Pubic Library will be able to make use of the library&8217;s wireless internet access.
Library Director Nan Abbott said the wireless service known as WiFi is being made possible through a Shelby County Quality of Life Enrichment Grant matched by the city of Alabaster.
The county and the city are providing the library
$3,375 each.
According to Abbott, patrons will be able to bring in their wireless capable laptop computers to the library or its mobile unit and have access to the library&8217;s internet connection.
She said the library currently has only four computer terminals and wireless capability will allow more patrons to access the internet.
She said it was a service requested by patrons.
Abbott explained that the wireless access provided would be subject to the same filter to which the library&8217;s own computers are subject.
And she said the library is in compliance with the Children&8217;s Internet Protection Act.
Abbott said services available to library patrons will include Online Homework, which provides live tutorial assistance; Ask Us, a 24-hour per day reference Librarian; the Alabama Virtual Library; Help Quest, a genealogical data base; and the Shelby County Public Library Data Base.
Abbott said the Alabaster Library serves between 14,000 and 15,000 patrons.
Membership at the library is required to make use of the wireless internet service, which Abbott said expects to be installed for the summer.
&8220;We&8217;re excited,&8221; said Abbott.
Alabaster Mayor David Frings noted that WiFi service is becoming expected in more places by the pubic. He said he was pleased to see the Alabaster library come up to the current technology available