Wifi at St Pancras

Our improved public WiFi service is now live.

To start using the service you will need to create a new WiFi account, which you can do when you next visit the Library. Simply check your laptop, tablet or mobile for WiFi connections and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you have any problems connecting, additional advice and information is available from the reading rooms and Information Desk. If you have any questions about the new service, please ask a member of staff.

Policy on Internet Access at the British Library (PDF)

What do I need to get online?

To use WiFi you need to have...

a laptop, tablet, smartphone or PDA with WLAN capability

This means built-in Wireless LAN capability (such as Intel Centrino) or an added WiFi card (PCMCIA wireless card or USB wireless adapter for a laptop or Compact Flash card for a PDA). The British Library WiFi network supports any wireless device that conforms to the 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi standards.

a web browser

Please note that if you connect to the British Library’s power supply, the Library will not accept responsibility for any resulting damage to your equipment.

How do I get online?

You need to be at British Library to register for and access the WiFi service.

To connect to the British Library wireless network, view the available wireless networks on your device in the usual way and select the appropriate British Library network. There are two options:

BL Registered User: connect to this if you have a British Library online account (for example, if you’re a Registered Reader, or have used the Library’s online Box Office to buy a ticket to an event).

You need to create your WiFi account by registering your British Library Online Account Username and Password.

BL Visitor: connect to this if you’re just visiting the Library

If you’re a visitor, create your WiFi account by entering your name and email address. Your login will be emailed to you. You then have 15 minutes to pick up your login details and activate your account.

Full instructions for different operating systems are given below.

Once you have connected to the wireless network, launch your web browser and you will be presented with the relevant British Library landing page, where you can log into the service.

You may login up to three devices using the same login credentials. If you do not use the service for 30 minutes, you will be timed out and will need to log in again.

Web filtering

Some web sites may be considered to be inappropriate for viewing in a public area. The Library already uses web filtering software to prevent access to certain categories of web site from the Library terminals; this filtering is also in place on the British Library wireless network.

If you try to access a site that is blocked, a message will appear on the screen, stating why the site you are attempting to access is blocked. If you feel that a site has been miscategorised or you have a legitimate research need to use a site that is blocked, please contact the reference enquiry desk if you are working in a reading room, or email electronic-services@bl.uk. Please provide the URL of the website you are trying to access, so that we can investigate whether or not the site should be blocked. Similarly, if you have a genuine research need to view a blocked site, follow the same procedure. If you would like us to keep you informed of the decision, please also provide contact details.

Please note:

The British Library is committed to making information of all kinds as widely available as possible. As part of this commitment, we have provided WiFi access to users of the building without charge. We ask in return that all those using this service do so in such a way as not to interfere with the enjoyment or safety of other building users. In particular we ask you not to obstruct entrances or passageways when using your laptop or tablet, or to create trip hazards by connecting laptop cables to power sockets.

The 1st floor Restaurant is intended for the use of diners. Unless you are a Restaurant customer you may be requested not to use your laptop or tablet in this area. Other seating areas are provided for WiFi use at Upper Ground and 1st Floor

INSTRUCTIONS

Macintosh OSX

Click on AirPort in the toolbar and select Turn AirPort On.
Select either BL Registered User or BL Visitor from the list of available wireless networks.
A dialogue box will appear asking whether you would like to join this network in the future. Click yes if you would like to add the network to your trusted network sites to enable automatic connection.
Launch your web browser to open the WiFi network landing page, where you can register or login to the service.

If the landing page does not appear, check that your device is configured to get Internet Protocol (IP) details automatically:

Click on Systems Preference on the Apple menu.
Click on the Network icon in the Internet Network section.
Under the Show menu, choose AirPort.
Click on TCP/IP.
Choose Using DHCP in the Configure IPv4 menu.
Click Apply now.

Open your web browser again; if the landing page still does not appear, refer to Web browser configuration below.

iOS

Click on Settings and choose WiFi. Make sure this is set to On
Select either BL Registered User or BL Visitor from the list of available wireless networks.
Launch your web browser to open the WiFi network landing page, where you can register or login to the service

Chrome OS

Make sure WiFi is enabled so that your Chrome device can detect WiFi networks. Click on the network icon in the bottom right of your screen.
Click the network status in the menu which appears, and click to enable the WiFi
Select either BL Registered User or BL Visitor from the list of available wireless networks.
You should then see the WiFi network landing page, where you can register or login to the service.
If the landing page does not appear, but you’re connected to the WiFi network, try typing in a search and clicking Enter. The landing page should then appear.

Android OS

Go to Settings and select Wireless and networks
Select WiFi and make sure this is switched on
Select either BL Registered User or BL Visitor from the list of available wireless networks.
Launch your web browser to open the WiFi network landing page, where you can register or login to the service

Windows 7

Click on Start, then Control Panel.
Double-click on Network and Internet Connections.
Right-click on Wireless Network Connection and select View Available Wireless Networks.
Select either BL Registered User or BL Visitor in the Choose a wireless network dialogue box and select Connect.

If you are prompted that the network you are connecting to is an unsecured network, choose Connect Anyway.

Launch your web browser to open the WiFi network landing page, where you can register or login to the service.

If the landing page does not appear, check that your device is configures to get Internet Protocol (IP) details automatically:

Click on Start, then Control Panel
Under Network and Internet click on View network status and tasks
In the left panel, click Change adapter settings
Right-click on Wireless Network Connection and select Properties
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties
Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically, then select OK and then Close

Windows 8

From the Start tiles select Control Panel
Click on Network and Sharing Center, then select change adapter settings
Right click on your WiFi icon and select Connect/Disconnect
Click on Available to see the available networks
Choose either BL Registered User or BL Visitor
Launch your web browser to open the WiFi network landing page, where you can register or login to the service

Windows Vista

Click on the Start button and select Connect To from the menu on the right to display the Connect to a network dialogue box.
Select either BL Registered User or BL Visitor and then click Connect.

If you are prompted that the network you are connecting to is an unsecured network, choose Connect Anyway.

Once the connection is established, you will be prompted to save your connection by checking the Save this network box, and to have the connection start automatically by checking the Start this connection automatically box. It is up to you whether you select these options.
Launch your web browser to open the WiFi network landing page, where you can register or login to the service.

If the landing page does not appear, check that your device is configured to get Internet Protocol (IP) details automatically:

Click on the Start button and select Connect

To from the menu on the right to display the Connect to a network dialogue box.

Select Open Network and Sharing Center in the bottom left corner of the dialogue box.
Select Manage network connections on the left panel of the Network and Sharing Center.
Right-click on Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically, then select OK, then Close.

Open your web browser again; if the landing page still does not appear, refer to Web browser configuration overleaf.

Windows XP

Click on Start, then Control Panel.
Double-click on Network and Internet Connections.
Right-click on Wireless Network Connection and select View Available Wireless Networks.
Select either BL Registered User or BL Visitor in the Choose a wireless network dialogue box and select Connect.

If you are prompted that the network you are connecting to is an unsecured network, choose Connect Anyway.

Launch your web browser to open the WiFi network landing page, where you can register or login to the service.

If the landing page does not appear, check that your device is configured to get Internet Protocol (IP) details automatically:

Select Start/Control Panel, then double-click Network Connections.
Right-click on Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.
Click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) then select Properties.
Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
Select OK then OK again.

Open your web browser again; if the landing page still does not appear, refer to Web browser configuration overleaf.

What should I do if I can’t see the British Library wireless network?

If you cannot see the wireless network on your list of available wireless networks, try the following:

Ensure that your wireless card is turned on. Some laptops have a switch to operate this.
Try again. Some wireless adaptors can take a minute or two to detect all available wireless networks.
Restart your laptop, tablet or PDA. Sometimes operating systems can get in a muddle if they repeatedly detect and lose a network – a reboot can fix this.
Move to another location; you may be sitting outside the coverage area.

Web browser configuration (all operating systems):

Your web browser should be set to NOT use a proxy server.

Still having problems?

Although the service is simple to use, there may be times when you need additional help. If, having followed the instructions in this leaflet, you are still having problems connecting to the wireless network or registering with the service please call the helpline on 020 7412 7005 (available during British Library St. Pancras opening hours).

We regret that it is not possible for British Library staff to offer help with connecting to the wireless network.