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Wi-Fi Service

Wi-Fi offers free internet access in the North and South Reading Room. Readers are welcome to use personal devices to connect to the wireless network in those reading areas. You will be required to input your reader’s ticket number and password to register.

Connection instruction for:

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Wi-Fi?
What is required for internet connection via Wi-Fi?
Are there any difficulties in connecting with the web via Wi-Fi?
What happens when the connection isn’t working?
Are there any health dangers associated with using Wi-Fi?
Are there any restrictions when using the Wi-Fi network?
Are there any charges for using the service?
Is the internet connection via Wi-Fi a secure connection?
Will I lose my internet access via Wi-Fi on my laptop or on any other device, should that connected device be left idle for a period of time?

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is the term used for the technology which enables computers and other devices to have wireless connection to external networks including the internet.

What is required for internet connection via Wi-Fi?

A laptop, PDA or any other device installed with wireless software is required for Wi-Fi connection. The latest laptops offer the ability to connect with wireless networks but should that not be possible, then you will require a wireless network card to be connected to your device. You will also require your reader’s card number and the password that you use to gain access to the Library’s online catalogues.

Are there any difficulties in connecting with the web via Wi-Fi?

There shouldn’t usually be any difficulties. The majority of laptops should have the ability to recognise a wireless connection automatically. Brief guidelines are available for PC and Macintosh computers, and you should also consult the user manual applicable to your personal device. Should you encounter problems, please complete our Wi-Fi feedback form and we shall respond as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the Library can not guarantee that your device will be compatible with the Library’s network, and Reading Room staff are unable to offer technical assistance.

What happens when the connection isn’t working?

Here are a few suggestions which can be taken:

Ensure that the device you are using to connect via Wi-Fi is Wi-Fi enabled.

Ensure that you have used ‘refresh’ on your device and try again to connect via Wi-Fi.

Try switching your device off and then on again.

Refer to the guidelines prepared by the Library and also consult the user manual applicable to your hardware.

Complete our Wi-Fi feedback form explaining the nature of the problem. Unfortunately, the Library can not guarantee that it will be able to resolve every problem.

Are there any health dangers associated with using Wi-Fi?

According to the evidence supplied by the UK Health Protection Agency, there is no definite evidence of health risks when using wireless networks. The latest evidence suggests that the over-exposure to radio waves will be less than those associated with mobile phones. The Library shall continue to monitor the situation and respond to any new evidence accordingly.

Are there any restrictions when using the Wi-Fi network?

Remember that when you enter your details to use our Wi-Fi Service, you agree to accept and abide by the policies of The National Library of Wales:

Are there any charges for using the service?

No. The service is free of charge during the Library’s opening hours.

Is the internet connection via Wi-Fi a secure connection?

Our Wi-Fi Service offers internet access which is an open unencrypted connection.

Will I lose my internet access via Wi-Fi on my laptop or on any other device, should that connected device be left idle for a period of time?

Should your device connected via Wi-Fi to our network be left idle for longer than 15 minutes, then you will automatically lose the Wi-Fi connection and will have to reconnect to the service.