Laptop Docking at SIBL

The Science, Industry and Business Library of The New York Public Library provides 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.

Laptops with Windows 2000 or Windows XP
Laptops with Windows 95/98/NT- Use these TCP/IP Settings
Assistance with Laptop Docking
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS

Laptops with Windows 2000 or Windows XP

Laptops using Windows 2000, or XP already have TCP/IP configured if equipped with a properly installed Ethernet card. If your laptop uses one of these operating systems, 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: sibl.nypl.org.

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

Laptops with Windows 95/98/NT- Use these TCP/IP Settings

[Before making any changes in your TCP/IP configuration, note details of your current configuration. The following changes may prevent you from connecting to other networks, including office networks, unless you restore your original configuration.]

In Control Panel, double-click on the Network icon.
In the list of network components, click TCP/IP associated with your network adapter, and then click Properties.
Select the “Obtain an IP address automatically” check box.
Click the WINS configuration tab, and then select the check box next to “Use DHCP for WINS resolution.
Click the Gateway tab, and then remove any installed gateways if any are listed( See note above to write down details of your current configuration if any, before making these changes).
Click OK to accept the new TCP/IP settings.
Click OK to update your new network configuration.
Click OK to restart your computer.

Assistance with Laptop Docking

If you experience difficulty making a connection after using these instructions, technical assistance for Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT/ or 2000 laptops is available on an appointment basis from the Library's Information Technology Group. Please note that same day appointments are not available. Speak to a staff person at the McGraw Information Services Desk, or in the Rohatyn Electronic Information Center who will take your name and phone number so that the Library’s IT technician can contact you by phone within a few days. (Docking access for laptops using systems other than the Microsoft operating systems is available, but technical support is not provided for these other operating systems.)

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS

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

Assistance with laptop docking is offered by Library technical staff on an appointment basis only.

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 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.