University
library adds wireless internet access
By Andy Reyes
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
Increased use of laptop computers and other wireless devices among students attending
Cal State Long Beach has fueled the demand for wireless networks throughout the
campus. CSULB is aware of the need to keep its students up to date on current
wireless technology, and this fall, the University Library announced wireless
access is available for students.
CSULB students with a Wi-Fi (802.11b) enabled laptop or other device will now
be able to wirelessly access e-mail or the Web, including the library’s
various collections of subscription databases, simply with the use of a computing
account or their MyCSULB account and password.
Henry DuBois, associate dean of CSULB Library Services, said after CSULB Network
Services finished testing and fine-tuning systems needed to protect the integrity
and security of the campus network in the first beta wireless system installed
in the Horn Center over a year ago, a list of sites where further wireless network
installations would occur was created.
“
The library always was high on that list,” DuBois said. “Students
who own a wireless device don’t need to stand in line during busy periods
when library workstations may all be in use.”
Dubois said students have wanted to be able to use their laptops and other wireless
devices to access the campus network and the library’s many online information
resources, and now they finally have the chance.
However, DuBois said not all places in the library currently allow students access
to the school’s wireless network system.
CSULB Director of Network services Steve La said he is aware not all areas of
the library are going to be able to allow for network wireless system access
installations because of the renovations currently underway.
“
Right now the only areas that have wireless access for students are the study
areas because those are our highest priorities for students,” La
said.
La said students and staff wishing to have wireless network access throughout
the entire library will be able to do so when the renovations on the library
are complete. According to a library new release, remodeling is scheduled to
be complete in 2007.
Until then, students can use their wireless devices to send documents from their
gadgets to a library printer in the Information Commons or on the 1st floor in
Electronic Reference where they can be retrieved using a Beach Club card.
Andrew May, a freshman English major, plans to use the wireless network system.
“
I haven’t had to use the wireless system in the library yet,” May
said. “I know that in the future whenever I have to do research it will
be of great help.”
Anyone experiencing problems accessing the library’s wireless network or
printing system should see the consultant at the Information Commons on the lower
level of the library.
Contact Henry DuBois at hdubois@csulb.edu for more information.
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