Reserving and Using Library PCs: FAQs
Computer Policies, Rules and Procedures
Do I need to have a reservation to use a PC?
There are usually enough PCs available so that reservations are not necessary. However, if all computers are in use, you can make a reservation at the PC Reservation Station at Cook Park or at the Reference Desk at Cook Park or Aspen.
Can I make a reservation from home?
Yes, you can use your own library card number to make a PC reservation up to 24 hours in advance online. If you do, bring with you the time of the reservation plus the computer number and reservation number that you are assigned.
Can I reserve a computer for my child?
If the child is under four years old, see a librarian. For children four and over a child’s card must be used.
Do I need to have a library card to use a library PC?
You will usually sign in to a computer using your library card number and your last name. If you forget to bring your card, a librarian can look up the number for you. . If your card is from another Illinois library, you can register it at the check-out desk. Guest passes for visitors from other areas are available at the Reference Desk.
How long is a session?
60 minutes. A timer in the lower right corner of the screen shows how much time is remaining. On the adult computers, if no one has reserved the computer you are using, you will be offered two 15 minute extensions to your session.
Three warnings will appear before a session expires – at 10, 5, and 2 minutes. Pay close attention to the time because once the session ends, any work you haven’t saved to an external device will be lost.
How many sessions per day can I have?
Each patron is allowed two sessions per day. This includes sessions that end early as well as sessions that are reserved but not used.
Can I save my work on the computer?
No, you need to save your work on a flash drive or a floppy disc. You can borrow an external floppy disc drive from the Reference Desk or purchase a flash drive at the check-out desk for $7.
Are there age restrictions?
Computers in the adult area (the computer lab at Aspen) are for the use of patrons 18 and up. At Cook Park patrons 14 – 17 can use either the YA or adult computers. Computers in the children’s and young adult areas are restricted to those under 18.
Is a scanner available?
Yes, a scanner is available in the adult PC area at Cook Park and in the computer lab at Aspen.
What if I need to leave the computer for a time during my session?
On the menu in the lower right corner of the screen, choose the option Hide My Screen and add a password of your choice. The computer can’t be used until you return or your session expires. Note: The session time will continue to count down while the screen is hidden.
Also, if a session is idle (but not hidden) for 10 minutes, an alert will appear asking if the terminal is still being used. If no reply is received, the session will end. Use the Hide My Screen option if you will not be actively using the computer for 10 minutes or longer.
Can I print?
Yes, you can print from a patron PC in the library, from your laptop using our wireless network, or even from home. See our remote printing service page for more information. You will send your print job to a Print Release station and then release it using your library card (if you have stored money on it) or cash. The cost is $.10 per page for black and white and $.25 per page for color.
How do I end the session so that the next user won’t have access to my work?
Go to the menu in the lower right corner of the screen and choose End Session. This will reboot the computer, removing all of your information and making the computer available for the next patron.
