Howard County Library
 
 
Access the Internet
All Library branches offer computers with high speed Internet access and word processing software. Read more about the Library's public computers and the Library's Internet Use Guidelines and Policy.

Wireless Internet Access
Looking for a place to check Web-based e-mail, surf the Net, or do last minute research? Wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available at Howard County Library. This service is FREE at all six locations throughout the county.

Use your wireless-enabled device (laptop or PDA) to gain access to high speed Internet for Web browsing and Web-based e-mail (i.e. Hotmail.com, Google, Outlook Web Access, and GroupWise Web Access). E-mail clients, such as Outlook Express, will not work on Howard County Wi-Fi as the ability to send e-mail from e-mail clients (software installed on a personal computer) is disabled. This function is disabled to ensure the security of our network.

Howard County Library is the first library in Maryland to offer Wi-Fi.

Network Identifier or the SSID: hclwireless

Enter the SSID into your Wi-Fi card configuration. Make sure that WEP encryption is turned off.

Need help? Check the wireless card manufacturer's Web support page by using a Library public Internet workstation.

Printing is not available using the Library's wireless connection. Access a printer by using the Library's public Internet workstation.

In order to use the Library's Wi-Fi network, you must agree to the Wireless Internet Policy:
  • I will comply with all state and federal laws and Howard County Library policies and procedures.
  • I understand and acknowledge that the Internet contains information, both written and pictorial, which may be offensive or harmful to me or to others.
  • I release Howard County Library from all liabilities associated with my viewing of, use of, or exposure to, any information, machine-readable file, picture, graphical representation, or illustration I may encounter while using the wireless network, whether or not such information appears or is delivered through the station I operate.
  • I will not violate any state or federal statute including those regarding obscenity, pornography, or delivery to minors material deemed harmful to them.
  • I understand that I create, store, and use personal files at my own risk and that the Library is not responsible for the loss of personal electronic documents, diskettes, and/or files.
  • I understand and accept that my failure to comply with Library policies and procedures will result in penalties that range from suspension of Internet privileges for a week through permanent eviction from the Library.
  • I understand that Howard County Library reserves the right to change its network access policies and procedures.
  • I understand that individual Library staff members are not authorized to modify these policies.

Free Dial-Up Internet Accounts
Howard County Library offers free Sailor Cruise accounts to Howard County Library cardholders. These accounts allow free dial-up Internet access from a customer's home computer. Cruise accounts are good for 90 days. A Maryland Public Library project, The Sailor Cruise Account service helps to ensure free and equitable access to the Internet for Maryland residents. For more information, pick up a Sailor Cruise Account form at any branch or go to the Sailor Web site at www.sailor.lib.md.us.