- Does the library have an Internet connection?
- Is there a charge to use the Internet?
- Can I reserve an Internet computer?
- How do I get to the Internet on a library computer?
- Will the library track what I am searching for because I am using my library card?
- Can I still use the computers if I do not have a library card?
- If I have fines on my library card can I still use the Internet?
- How much time can I get on a computer?
- Why am I restricted to one hour per day for the whole library system?
- How do I open a file that I brought to the library on a CD, floppy disk or USB device?
- How can I save my work to a CD, floppy disk, or USB device?
- What will happen when my session expires?
- If I need to leave my computer during my session, how do I keep someone else from using my computer?
- When I logged on, the computer indicated I only had a few minutes left. Why don't I have more time?
- Do you have a class to teach me the Internet?
- Does the library have word processing computers for public use?
1: Does the library have an Internet connection?
Yes. Every library location has computers with an Internet connection. The number varies from branch to branch. Every library also offers free wireless Internet, which you can access from your own laptop computer.
2: Is there a charge to use the Internet?
There is no charge for use of the Internet computers, but there is a charge of $.10 per page to print anything from the Internet.
3: Can I reserve an Internet computer?
Yes. In addition to using any available computer, you may also reserve a computer up to two days in advance. Read more about our Computer Reservation System.
4: How do I get to the Internet on a library computer?
You will need your library card to logon to an Internet computer. Please see our Rules for Internet Use for additional information regarding use of the library computers. If no computers are open, you can reserve one using the Computer Reservation System.
5: Will the library track what I am searching for because I am using my library card?
No. The timeout management software is not a tracking software and does not record or maintain the history of your searches. The software is not capable of tracking Internet content usage. The timeout management is to control and track the allocated time spent, as predetermined by the workstation configuration.
In the interest of patron confidentiality, the public computers are designed to delete your data and search history when your computer session ends and you log off. If any data has been saved to the hard drive (X: drive) of the computer, it will be erased upon logout. In addition to the cleaning that takes place during logout, the computer will be completely restored to its original state after rebooting each night. The Library uses software that deletes all cookies, history, and any other way of tracking when a person logs off a workstation.
At the end of the day, the library card numbers are purged, whether it is a temporary number or the permanent library card number.
6: Can I still use the computers if I do not have a library card?
Yes. Ask for a “guest pass” at the Circulation Desk which will be good only on the day issued but will not be given repeatedly. However, we encourage you to apply for a library card. Besides allowing you to check out library materials, your library card gives you access from home to many commercial databases and special services. You can look up magazines and newspapers, place holds and renew materials from home. Your card also allows you to “check out” electronic books.
7: If I have fines on my library card can I still use the Internet?
Yes. Library fines do not affect Internet privileges.
8: How much time can I get on a computer?
You may use a computer for up to one hour a day. The Library has 30-minute and one-hour PCs you can use when they are free, or you can reserve a computer up to two days in advance. 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.
9: Why am I restricted to one hour per day for the whole library system?
Computers are very popular. The time limit provides equal access to everyone and makes more computers available.
10: How do I open a file that I brought to the library on a CD, floppy disk or USB device?
All public computers are equipped with floppy drives and CD recorders that can be used to upload files. The PCs also have USB slots on the front of the computer that may be used to install a USB storage device called a “jump” or “pen” drive, which can also be used for file upload.
From Internet Explorer, go to File | Open | Browse and then choose the "F:" drive from the drop-down menu. Highlight the file to open and click on “Open.” Files may also be accessed by using the address bar in Internet Explorer. Simply type F: in the address bar and press Enter. This will display a directory of the files located on the CD. Choose a file and double-click it to open.
From Microsoft Word or Excel, go to File | Open and then select the "F:" drive from the drop-down menu. Highlight the file to open and click on “Open.”
To access files from a floppy disk change the “F:” drive to “A:”, or if using a USB “jump” drive change the “F:” to “G:”.
11: How can I save my work to a CD, floppy disk, or USB device?
All public computers are equipped with floppy drives and CD recorders that can be used to save files to a device that you provide. (Many library locations offer floppy disks or blank CDs for purchase.) The PCs also have USB slots on the front of the computer where you can attach a USB storage device called a "jump" or "pen" drive, to save files. Follow these instructions to "burn" a file to a CD, or to save a file to a floppy disk or USB device.
12: What will happen when my session expires?
Your remaining time will display all through your session and you will receive warnings twice before your session ends. When your session ends, you will lose any data you have not saved to a disk, CD, or USB device or emailed to yourself.
13: If I need to leave my computer during my session, how do I keep someone else from using my computer?
You may leave your session in standby mode for 5 minutes. You must log in again when you come back to the workstation. However, if you do not return in 5 minutes, your session will be available for another person to use . The time the computer is in standby mode will be deducted from the time you are allotted for that day.
Note: the following message appears when you click on the Standby button:
“The Standby grace period is 5 minutes. After this time, your logged session will end. This PC will log out when you go into Standby mode. Please save your file(s). To proceed, click YES. Otherwise, click NO.
14: When I logged on, the computer indicated I only had a few minutes left. Why don't I have more time?
Either the workstation you have logged onto is reserved for another person in a few minutes, or you have already used your allotted time for the day.
15: Do you have a class to teach me the Internet?
Some branches do offer classes for the public. Please go to the Library Locations and Hours page and click on the library name in which you are interested to see if any are currently being offered. In addition many of the branches have volunteers with whom you can sign up for an hour long one on one lesson. Call your local library community library to see if they have an Internet volunteer and to check the volunteer schedule.
16: Does the library have word processing computers for public use?
Yes. Please see the Computer Reservation system.