 | Computer FAQs
broadband Internet, word processing and office, email, surf, scan and edit photos |
FAQs
1. Do I need to be a library member to use a computer?
2. What if am not a member or I am a temporary member?
3. What if I have outstanding fines?
4. How old do I have to be to use the computers?
5. How much does it cost?
6. How long is a session?
7. Do I need to book?
8. How do I book a computer?
9. How far in advance can I book?
10. Can I book more than one session a day?
11. What if I turn up late?
12. What if I cannot make my session?
13. Can I use the computers at more than one library?
14. What do I do when I arrive at the library?
15. What is your code of conduct for computer users?
16. What can I use the computers for?
17. If I have a disability, what features do you provide to help me?
18. Will you train me to use a computer?
19. Do you protect against computer viruses?
20. What about unsuitable websites?
21. Can I download and save information?
22. Can I print?
23. Are my details safe?
24. Are there any health and safety issues I should consider?
25. What is the People's Network?
1. Do I need to be a library member to use a computer?
You need to be a library member to use our computers free of charge. Please produce your library card when you book or attend your session.
Please note that temporary members are not eligible for free computer use.
See our membership pages for how to join.
2. What if I am not a member or I am a temporary member?
You can pay for a 30 or 60 minutes session. Please see our charges page for current prices.
Child non-members are not charged for this service but can access our Walled Garden approved websites only. Young people, aged 12-15 years and 11 years attending Secondary School, who wish to use adult computers must become members.
3. What if I have outstanding fines?
This will not stop you using the computers.
4. How old do I have to be to use the computers?
Children aged 11 years or younger can only access websites from the Wild About the Web pages (web sites selected by our children team) and do not require parent / carer permission. They can use the adult Internet access if accompanied by a parent carer.
Young people, aged 12-15 years and 11 years attending Secondary School, can access the Wild About the Web pages, but must register to use the adult computers. Their parent / carer must agree to be responsible for their Internet activity by signing a registration form. If their parent/carer is unavailable at the time of registration, the form must be taken away for their signature. Once the form is signed a letter will be sent to the parent/carer informing them of the computer registration.
You can also print, complete, and return the form to any Warwickshire library:
5. How much does it cost?
Using the computers is free, if you are a library member. For printing, floppy disk and CD-R costs, see other facilities and charges page.
6. How long is a session?
A session can be 15, 30, 45 minutes or 1 hour and can be extended depending on availability .
7. Do I need to book?
You can drop in for a session, but we recommend that you book in advance, especially if you have particular requirements, for example scanning.
Library members can use this facility.
8. How do I book a computer?
Computers can be booked in person, by telephone or on-line at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/bookalibrarypc, if you are a library member.
You can book your next session, on-line, next time you use a library computer. From the application launcher, select the ‘Internet’ tab and then the ‘book a library PC’ option.
See our opening hours and contact details pages for addresses and telephone numbers.
9. How far in advance can I book?
Bookings for computers can be taken up to one week in advance.
10. Can I book more than one session a day?
You can book a maximum of one session per day. Additional sessions are possible on a drop in basis if computers are available.
11. What if I turn up late?
The booking will be held for 10 minutes from the agreed time.
12. What if I cannot make my session?
Please inform the library to cancel your booking if unable to attend.
13. Can I use the computers at more than one library?
You can have one booked session per day at any Warwickshire library and drop in sessions depending on availability
14. What do I do when I arrive at the library?
When you book by phone or in person you are told which computer you will use. If you have booked on-line please make a note of your booking or better still, print out the confirmation page.
On arrival, go straight to the computer and enter your library card number and PIN. Read, and agree with, the on-screen Acceptable Use Agreement to use the computer.
15. What is your code of conduct for computer users?
You have to agree to our Acceptable Use Agreement. Failure to comply with the Agreement can result in facilities being withdrawn.
The sending or copying of material in violation of any laws is prohibited. This includes copyright, and threatening or pornographic material.
Staff and software will monitor computer usage.
16. What can I use the computers for?
All of our computers have Internet access and Microsoft Office 2003 for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, photo-editing and presentations.
Larger libraries have scanning facilities.
There is free access to subscription websites, including Oxford Reference and Ancestry, in the Information Zone.
See our Computers - What's Available page for a full list of computer services.
17. If I have a disability what features do you provide to help me?
See our Computers - What's Available page for a full list of facilities.
18. Will you train me to use a computer?
We can’t offer formal training but staff will be happy to help with simple guidance and can advise you on training courses. Contact any library to arrange an introductory session.
19. Do you protect against computer viruses?
All computers have anti-virus software that is regularly updated. All floppy disks and CDRs are virus checked before use. The County Council accepts no responsibility for any material lost as a result of virus checking.
Downloaded files might contain viruses. The County Council accepts no responsibility for any viruses saved to removable media and taken home.
20. What about unsuitable websites?
Adult and child Internet access is filtered.
Most children under the age of 12 can only use Wild About the Web – a collection of websites chosen by the children team.
No filtering software is 100% effective; if you feel a site should be blocked or permitted please complete a Customer Comments form and hand to staff or use the on-line form.
See sections 6 and 7 of our Acceptable Use Agreement for more information. We expect everyone to abide by the Acceptable Use Agreement.
21. Can I download and save information?
You can save to the hard drive temporarily, or to a floppy disk, memory stick or CD. You can buy floppy disks and CDRs in the library.
An automatic warning that your session is ending, is displayed every minute for the last five minutes. Please use this time to save or print your work, as no work or Internet pages are saved after your session ends.
22. Can I print?
Prints are available in black and white or colour. You specify what type you require at the time of printing. In most libraries you collect and pay for your prints at the Enquiry or Customer Service Desk. See our other facilities and charges for printing costs.
23. Are my details safe?
We comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. The information, which you provide will only be used for the purpose of operating the Warwickshire Library & Information Service. Your information will not be used for any other purposes or shared with any third parties, without your express consent, unless it is necessary to do so to prevent or detect crime.
The information provided will be stored securely as an electronic record. You have the right to have any inaccurate information corrected.
You are advised to select the ‘end session’ button when you have finished using the computer. This will remove all items from the history, favourites and cookies files. You are also advised to log out of any web facilities such as email or chat.
24. Are there any health and safety issues that I should consider?
Customers should be aware of their own health and safety needs whilst using the computers. We recommend rest breaks of 5-10 minutes each hour. Adjust your chair and monitor to for maximum comfort and ease of use.
25. What is the People's Network?
The People's Network first phase, completed in 2002, was a government-led initiative to bring Internet access to the UK population, by installing computers and broadband connections in all public libraries, train staff and support the creation of digital material relevant to local needs.
There are now more than 20,000 computer terminals in 3,500 libraries in England. Warwickshire Library & Information Services has 255 People's Network computers.
The second phase of the People’s Network is underway with the creation of new on-line services to extend the reach of public libraries; breaking down physical barriers and giving people access to the service wherever they are, whatever the time of day or night.
People’s Network on-line services are a natural extension of the public library, providing library users with essential information for work, study and creative pursuits.
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