Laptop Docking at SIBL

The Science, Industry and Business Library of The New York Public Library provides Wi-FI wireless internet access and also wired docking stations where users can connect laptops to the Internet and to many electronic subscription databases.
Docking stations are provided in the Salomon Reading Room on the lower level. Connection speed is up to 100,000 megabits per second using a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet card. No reservations are required.


To connect to the wired network, laptops must have TCP/IP configured with a properly installed Ethernet card. If your laptop has this software, just plug the docking cable into the Ethernet port on your laptop and you should be connected when you open your browser. You can connect to many of SIBL’s databases by using this URL: http://www.nypl.org/collections/articles-databases

Note: An Ethernet card with RJ-45 female plug must be installed on your laptop, with the correct drivers. The library provides the RJ-45 cable at the docking station. You will also need TCP/IP and a web browser installed on your laptop to dock your laptop. If the cable is plugged into your laptop’s Ethernet port, and you do not automatically connect to the web, try the following steps:

Click on Start and Run.
Type cmd and click OK.
Once cmd screen pops up, type IPconfig and press Enter
You should see nypl.org and IP information in the command screen

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS

  • Laptop owners may use the connections during all hours the Library is open.

Due to insurance limitations and warranties, Library staff cannot install Ethernet (Network Interface) cards in users' laptops.

  • If you would like to purchase an Ethernet cable for laptop docking, local computer stores sell and install these products.
  • The Library does not download, provide, or install any software for laptop users.
  • No guarantee is provided that a laptop will be able to make a successful connection, even if the above software configurations are installed, since many factors (including other software packages on the laptop) may interfere with a connection.
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for any alterations or interference with a laptop's configuration, operation, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's network.
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of any kind to a user's equipment, software, data files, or other personal property brought into or used at the Library's facilities.