WiFi internet access to be free of charge from October 2008

The British Library will be offering free WiFi internet access at the St Pancras site from 1 October 2008. This service will be a six month pilot so that we can assess its popularity and the impact it has on all Library resources.

Why has the Library decided to move to a free WiFi service?

The research environment is changing; more research material is available via the internet. Many public libraries are offering free WiFi, and the British Library is supporting this wider access to information by moving to a free service. In addition, more businesses and services in the area are offering free WiFi.

Why is the Library waiting until October to introduce a free service?

There are several technical developments which we need to make before moving to free WiFi, and we will be working with our service provider over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition to the new service.

Will I still have to register to use the service once it is free?

Yes, although the process will be much simpler as you will not need to buy any airtime vouchers.

What vouchers will be available between now and October?

We have negotiated with our service supplier to offer a variety of vouchers, according to the number of months left before the introduction of the new service. See below for up to date information on pricing for this transitional period between charged WiFi access.

Will I be able to use BT Open Zone?

There will be no need for you to use another service provider as you will be able to access services for free.

What will I be able to access?

Access to the Library’s website and Integrated Catalogue is already available for no charge; in addition, you will be able to access the internet for free.

The building is very busy now. Won’t more people come in just to use the free WiFi?

We are offering this service as a six-month pilot scheme so that we can assess the impact it has on all Library resources.

Will the number of access points in the Library be increased, to meet the potential growth in popularity?

Initially the number of access points (the hardware that WiFi users connect to) will remain the same, but this will be kept under review, with the monitoring of the service helping us decide if expansion is required.

What hours will the service be available?

The service will be available in St Pancras opening hours, as currently.

How far will the physical range extend?

The service is available in all Reading Rooms and public areas, apart from inside the café on the Piazza.

Will users be allocated 'time slots' for free access, or could a particular person be connected to a point all day?

As users don't physically connect, others won't be prevented from using the service by people being connected all day.

Will the bandwidth and connection speed be affected once WiFi is free? Although it may be free, will it be slower because of increased usage?

If usage increases then performance may decrease, unless the infrastructure is upgraded to compensate. We will be monitoring usage levels closely, and have indicative costs for upgrading both the number of access points and the bandwidth of the circuit to the internet.

Who should I contact if I have difficulties accessing WiFi once it is free?

We will continue to offer our helpline service on +44 (0)20 8966 1250 (during Library opening hours).

When does the 'pilot' end, and what targets is the Library setting to inform its decisions on extending the service beyond this point?

The pilot lasts for six months, completed by the end of March 2009. We will be monitoring it carefully throughout its duration, and the decision on whether the pilot is considered a success will be informed by:

• User feedback
• Public-facing staff feedback
• Reading Room occupation levels
• Public area occupation levels

If you have any further queries, please contact Service Improvement by emailing Service-Improvement@bl.uk, or writing to:

The British Library
Service Improvement
FREEPOST LON 12686
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2QY