- What does the Computer Reservation system do?
- Why is the library using a Computer Reservation system?
- How do I make a reservation if there are no available computers?
- Can I reserve a computer from my home or business location?
- How far in advance may I reserve a computer?
- Can I make multiple reservations at once?
- What if I am early for my reservation?
- What if I am late for my reservation?
- What should I do if I am not able to make to my session?
- How do I cancel a reservation?
- Are all workstations controlled by the computer reservation system?
- Can I reserve a workstation located at another Contra Costa County library?
- How can I find the time limit of a computer at a Contra Costa library?
1: What does the Computer Reservation system do?
The Computer Reservation system lets you reserve time on computers in any of the Contra Costa County libraries and controls the length of sessions on one-hour and 30-minute workstations. Some library locations have designated workstations that may be used for up to two-hours per day.
2: Why is the library using a Computer Reservation system?
Demand for electronic information has dramatically increased. The reservation system will hold a computer for people waiting to use a computer that day, and will also allow people to reserve a one-hour computer up to 2 days in advance. Some library locations have designated workstations that may be used for up to two-hours per day.
3: How do I make a reservation if there are no available computers?
You may make a reservation by using one of the catalog-only computers or the Print and Pay station. Time spent making the reservation does not count against your one-hour daily limit. Some library locations have designated workstations that may be used for up to two-hours per day.
4: Can I reserve a computer from my home or business location?
Yes. If you have a computer with internet access, you can reserve a computer in advance.
5: How far in advance may I reserve a computer?
You may reserve a one-hour computer up to 2 days in advance. The 30-minute computers may be reserved for same day use only. Some library locations have designated workstations that may be used for up to two-hours per day. These workstations are identified in the Computer Reservation system.
6: Can I make multiple reservations at once?
The system allows only one active reservation at any given time. Once you have completed your scheduled use, you may make another reservation from a catalog-only computer, from the Print and Pay station, or from your computer at home.
7: What if I am early for my reservation?
If a workstation is available, you can cancel your current reservation, then log on to the available workstation or you can wait for your scheduled time to log on.
8: What if I am late for my reservation?
Reservations are held for 7 minutes after the reserved time period begins. If your reservation is not claimed in that time, your session will be cancelled and the workstation will become available for another person. However, the 7 minutes will be deducted from the time you are allotted for that day.
9: What should I do if I am not able to make to my session?
You should cancel the reservation or call the library and ask them to cancel your session as soon as you know you will not be there in time. If the session were not cancelled, it would be considered a “no show.” If you have 4 “no shows” within a 30 day period, booking will be disallowed for 30 days from the 1st "no show". You may use the Catalog only workstation on a walk-in basis during that period.
10: How do I cancel a reservation?
Login to the Computer Reservation System. Click on "My Bookings" (near the top of the screen) and your reservation details will be displayed. Click on the "Cancel Booking" button near the bottom of the display. You will receive a message stating that the cancellation was successful. You may then select a branch to make a new reservation, or simply Logout.
11: Are all workstations controlled by the computer reservation system?
No, some of the computers are designated for the Library Catalog or for specialized CD-ROM databases. These may not be reserved. However, you can use the Library Catalog and the Print and Pay Station to reserve other computers in the library.
12: Can I reserve a workstation located at another Contra Costa County library?
Yes. In the Computer Reservation System, select the library location you want.
13: How can I find the time limit of a computer at a Contra Costa library?
Login to the Computer Reservation System. Select a community library. Click on "Search by PC Type". Use the PC Type drop-down box to see the time limits available at that community library.