WiFi/Wireless Printing and the Print Center General Policy & Procedures Hotspots
We have computers for public use and have WiFi available for use with wifi-capable devices. Additional information:
Computer Lab
The Computer Lab closes 15 minutes before the Library closes. Last login for Lab computers is 30 minutes before the Library closes.
Our hours are listed at the bottom of this page or you can click here.
Individuals wishing to use the Computer Lab must either have a Joplin Public Library card or provide a valid photo ID to be a Guest User. A valid photo ID lists name, photo, and date of birth (i.e., a driver’s license, government issued identification card, military identification or passport).
Library card holding users are provided four hours of computer time for free. Guest users are provided one hour free of charge, with additional hours available for purchase at $1 per hour, up to a total of 4 hours.
Parental consent is required for children under age 18 or if the minor does not have a Library card they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Sound from computers must be directed through headphones or earbuds so as not to disturb others. Earbuds may be purchased at the Lab Desk for $1.50.
Download and/or installation of software programs onto the Library computers is prohibited. Patrons attempting to install software may be subject to loss of Lab and/or Library privileges. Misuse or abuse of Library equipment may result in the loss of Lab and/or Library privileges.
The computer reboots when the timer runs out or when a user logs out. Rebooting cleans the computer to make it ready for the next user. During the rebooting process all previous work is deleted from the computer. Files must be saved to a user’s own USB drive (available for purchase at the Lab Desk for $5), or emailed as an attachment. Users should logout of email and other online accounts before ending the session. There is no need to shut down or turn off the computer.
Library staff can provide limited assistance with computer use. Staff cannot train users to use a computer or the Internet. If users have difficulty using the computer or the Internet, Library staff can refer them to help materials or the users can bring in someone to assist them.
Food and drink are not allowed in the Computer Lab area.
WiFi/Wireless
The Library offers free WiFi throughout the building, the outdoor seating areas, and the parking lot; no password required.
Information sent or obtained while using WIFI is not considered secure. It may be captured by anyone with the appropriate equipment and software. Cautious and informed wireless users should not transmit personal information (credit card numbers, passwords, and any other sensitive information) while using WIFI.
The Library supports many kinds of high speed wireless networking suitable for today’s laptop/notebook computers, smartphones, and other wireless devices.
Library staff cannot provide technical or troubleshooting assistance, nor can they assist in making changes to the device’s network settings and/or hardware configuration. The Library does not guarantee that the device will work with our WiFi.
Sound from computers must be directed through headphones or earbuds so as not to disturb others. Earbuds may be purchased at the Lab Desk for $1.50.
Users can access the Library’s electronic databases over our WiFi connection by going to the Library Online Resources page while inside the Library. All of the databases can be accessed, including Ancestry. For more information about these resources please speak to the Library’s Reference staff.
The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety or security of your personal or professional devices that are connected to the Library’s public WiFi network.
Printing and the Print Center
Printers are located in the Computer Lab and are available for public use.
Users can send prints from Lab computers or wirelessly using the “Princh” app/website.
Black and white prints cost $0.10 a page and color prints cost $0.25 a page.
We accept bills up to $20 at the Lab desk, up to $5 bills in the change machines and offer Credit/Debt Card payment options via Square with a $1 minimum purchase.
Users must pay for prints before Library staff are able to release them to the printer. Staff can assist users with payment and release of print jobs. Staff cannot help with email passwords, specific site issues, or print issues resulting from encrypted documents such as pay stubs.
Outside paper, envelopes, or labels are not able to be used in the Library’s printers.
The Library provides a document scanner for public use. Scanning is free of charge and users can email a pdf or save to a USB drive.
General Policy and Procedures
The Joplin Public Library cannot control the information available over the Internet and is not responsible for its content. The Internet contains a wide variety of material and opinions; not all sources provide information that is accurate, complete or current. Some sites may be considered offensive.
All the Library’s Internet access is filtered in compliance with Federal Law (Children’s Internet Protection Act) and Missouri State Law.
Deliberate sending, receiving or displaying text or graphics which may be reasonably construed as obscene is in violation of current law (Missouri Revised Statutes 573.010, Section 573.060) and will result in suspension of Library privileges.
Due to bandwidth limitations, the Library reserves the right to restrict downloading if this slows down internet service for other patrons.
Sessions may be monitored by staff to help comply with rules and regulations, as well as Missouri State Law.
Use charges and printing charges are set administratively.
Mobile Hotspots
The Library provides both short term and long term mobile hotspot units for check out. The mobile hotspots are capable of providing Wi-Fi for up to 15 devices. Active Library cardholders may check-out a hotspot at the Joplin Public Library, during scheduled business hours. Short term hotspots are available on a first come, first served basis. The check-out period for the short term hotspot device is set at 21-days. The long term hotspot devices may be checked out for up to one year, or until the program ends November 30, 2023.
Each unit contains basic operating instructions. The Library does not guarantee that devices will work with the hotspot. Coverage is limited to what is provided by the hotspot’s carrier (T-Mobile). Staff can only offer limited assistance with device use and cannot train patrons to use a computer or the Internet.
The Joplin Public Library cannot control the information available over the Internet and is not responsible for its content. The Internet contains a variety of material and opinions; not all sources provide information that is accurate, complete or current.
Information sent or obtained while using the hotspot unit is not considered secure. It may be captured by individuals with the appropriate equipment and software. Users should not transmit personal information while using a hotspot.
The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety or security of personal devices when connected to a hotspot. The Library assumes no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of hotspot.
