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