The Library offers computer access to the public at its three full-service locations - the Main Library downtown, the Library! at Collister and the Library! at Hillcrest.

At each location, 30-40 computers are available for public use.  Users may choose between unfiltered Internet access, filtered Internet access, or no Internet access. Computers in the children's areas offer filtered Internet access only, and are reserved for use by visitors under 18 years of age.

The Library also offers Wireless Internet access at each full-service location.

Saving Data

Users may save their data two ways:

• 3.5 inch floppy drives are available on all Public computers
• USB drives for flash or thumb drives
• CD-ROM drives are not available. 

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Software

All Public computers offer the following software:

• Internet Explorer
• Windows Media Player
• Microsoft Office 2003 (Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, PowerPoint).

In addition, public computers in the Youth Services section offer the following software:

• Barney
• Magic School Bus
• Star Flyers Alien Space Chase

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Printers

• Laser printers are available for public printing.
• All copies cost 10˘.
• All print in black & white.
• No color printers are available.

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How to Reserve a Computer

The library’s PC management system makes sign-up fast and easy, plus you can do it on your own! Note: You can skip the sign-up process and go directly to any free computer if one is available.  Computers in the Gates Lab in the Main Library are on a first-come, first-served basis.

• To sign up to use a computer, just scan your library card* or your Visitor Card at the Computer Sign-up Station near the Account Payment Machine (APM) on first floor in the Main Library and near the front checkout desks in the branch libraries. The Sign-up display will show your number in line.

• To check your status, scan your card again, and the Sign-up display will give you an update on where you are in the queue.

• When it’s your turn, the Sign-up display will show you which PC is available, and start the countdown on your 8 minute grace period. Keep an eye on the display so you don’t miss your turn!

• You can locate your computer by its number:

  Main Library	2ndFL01 — 2ndFL16: 2nd floor 3rdFL01 — 3rdFL08: 3rd floor
  Library! at Collister	A01-08: Front windows B01-04 and C01-08: Near children’s area D01-D04: By Holds shelves E01-E0: By copier machine
  Library! at Hillcrest	A01-A04: Front entrance B01-B14: Internet cafe C01-C04: Young Adult corner D01-D04: Children’s area (big desk) Y01-Y04: Children’s area (little tables)

• Be sure to log-on to your assigned PC before the 8 minute grace period expires, or you may lose your computer to the next reservation.

• Library cardholders can use a computer for up to 60 minutes per session, with a daily maximum of 120 minutes.

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How to Pay for Printing

Instead of hunting for change each time, you can store money in your library account to pay for printing directly from library computers. (Note: the system allows only pre-paid printing.)

• Add pre-paid cash value to your library account or Visitor Card at the library’s Account Payment Machines (APMs). The APMs only accept cash. You can also pre-pay at the circulation desk.

• APMs are located by the first floor Information Desk and by second-floor computers at the Main Library; and, in the back by the copier and restrooms at the branch libraries.

• When you’re ready to print, you’ll see a list of your pages on the computer screen, the price per page and the total cost. When you click [Print], the total will be deducted automatically from your pre-paid account value.

• When you are done, you can leave any extra money on your library card account or get a refund at the APM machine.  (Note: Guests should ALWAYS get a refund before they leave; visitor accounts and any remaining credit will expire at the end of the day.)

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No Library Card?

• Visitors can get a free Visitor Card at library APMs and can add pre-paid cash value if desired. A visitor is limited to one 30-minute session per day.

• Boise residents qualify for an Internet Use Only library card, which allows 60-minute sessions and a maximum daily time of 120 minutes. Internet Use Only cards do not include borrowing privileges. These cards are issued at the checkout desk.

• And remember, library cards from most local libraries are accepted by our library computers, including the public libraries of Boise, Caldwell, Eagle, Garden City, Meridian, Nampa, Mountain Home, and the Ada Community Libraries.

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How to Log On

• Enter your Library Card Number or Visitor Card Number and PIN* and click [Enter]. Your default PIN for library cards, unless you created a new one, is the last 4 digits of your phone number. Visitor Cards will indicate the PIN.

• Read the library’s computer-use policies if you’re not familiar with them. To use the computer, you will need to click [Accept].

*Personal Identification Number

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Computer Session Time

• Once you log-in, a Personal Session Manager appears. Click [Minimize] to move it to the bottom of the screen.

• Time Remaining shows how much time remains in your session.

• An Inactivity Warning displays when your PC is idle for too long.

• Timeout Warnings display as the end of your session nears.

• The Library is Closing Warnings display shortly before the library closes.

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Locking & Unlocking Your Computer

• If you must leave your computer for a few minutes, you can lock it — just click [Lock PC] on your Personal Session Manager. Note: Your session time will still count down.

• To unlock the computer again, re-enter your library card or visitor card number and click [Unlock Work Station].

• Always click [End Session] when finished!

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How to Print

Please note: the system allows only pre-paid printing. You can pre-pay at the library’s Account Payment Machines (APMs). located by the first floor Information Desk and by second-floor computers at the Main Library; and near the checkout desks at the branch libraries.

• Click [Print] as you normally do to print a document. The standard Windows dialogue box will open.

• Select the number of copies you would like to print and click [OK]. The Print Manager will appear, showing the number of pages you’ll be printing, the cost per page, and your total charge. At that point, you may choose [Print] or [Cancel].

• When you click [Print], the charge will be deducted from your pre-paid account value.

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Your Privacy

No one else will be able to view your work or Internet destinations after you end your library computer session. The library’s PC management system wipes all traces of each user from a library computer after each session. (Note—files saved to the computer’s hard-drive are erased at the end of each day.)

• The system keeps track of session times in order to provide fair access to library computers, and keeps track of document statistics to charge for printing services.

• The system does not keep track of work you’ve done on the computer or of Internet sites you’ve visited.

* Library cards from most local libraries are accepted by our library computers, including the public libraries of Boise, Caldwell, Eagle, Garden City, Meridian, Mountain Home, Nampa, and the Ada Community Libraries.

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Last Updated: 04/09/2008