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

At each location, 30-50 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.

Do I Need a Library Card?

• Boise Residents are eligible for a Boise library card. In addition, Lynx! Consortium members can use their cards to log on to Boise Public Library computers.

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

• Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is the last 4 digits of your phone number. You can change your PIN by logging into your account through the Library Catalog.

No Library Card?

• Internet Use Only cards are also available.  Internet-Use Only cardholders can use a computer for up to 60 minutes per session, with a daily maximum of 120 minutes. These cards DO NOT include borrowing privileges; they are issued at the circulation desk.

• Starting October 1, 2009, visitors can pay a $1.00 fee at library APMs for a Guest Pass providing up to one hour of Internet use.  (Prior to October 1, visitors may use library APMs to obtain ONE 30-minute Guest Pass at no charge - one pass per guest per day.)

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Saving Data

Users may save their data:

• To USB compatible devices like flash or thumb drives.

• It is also possible to temporarily save documents to the desktop. Delete saved documents before logging off the computer.

• CD-ROM drives are not available. 3.5 inch floppy disk drives are available at the Main Library, but will be phased out.

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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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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!

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, scan your library card and enter your PIN at the Computer Sign-up Station near the Account Payment Machine (APM.) The Sign-up display will show your number in line.

• 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. Log-on to your assigned PC before the 8-minute grace period ends, or you’ll lose your place in line.

• You can locate your computer by its number:

  Main Library	2ndFL01 — 2ndFL16: 2nd floor 3rdFL01 — 3rdFL08: 3rd floor
  Library! at Cole & Ustick	A01-A08: By Ustick windows (north) B01-B08: Near DVDs & staff door (west) C01-C12: Near teen area (east, center) D01-D08: By glass-walled storytime area (east) E01-E04: Behind reference desk (west, center)
  Library! at Collister	A01-08: Front windows B01-04 & 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)

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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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Personal Session Manager

• Once you log-in, a Personal Session Manager appears.

• Time Remaining shows the amount of time left in your session.

• An Inactivity Warning displays when your PC is idle.

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

• The Library is Closing Warnings display before the library closes. Library PCs shut down 5 minutes before closing time.

• Click [Minimize] to move the Personal Session Manager to the bottom of the screen.

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Locking & Unlocking Your Computer

• If you must leave your computer, you can lock it — just click [Lock PC] on your Personal Session Manager. Your session time will continue to count down. To unlock the computer, re-enter your library card or visitor number and click [Unlock Work Station].

• Click [End Session] when finished using the computer.

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Printing

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

• Printouts cost 10˘ per page.

• Add cash to your printing account at the library’s Account Payment Machines (APMs).

• At your computer, 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 your account balance, the number of pages, and your total charge. At that point, you may choose [Print Now!] or [Don’t Print]. When you click [Print Now!] the total will be deducted from your pre-paid account value.

• Leave any extra money on your library card account, or get a refund at the APM machine.  Visitor accounts and credit will expire at the end of the day, so guests should always collect money left over on their account.

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Your Privacy

• No one else will be able to view your Internet destinations after you end your library computer session.

• Files saved to the computer’s hard-drive are erased at the end of each day. If you save something to the desktop, you will need to delete it before you log out of your session.

• 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: 09/01/2009