Library computers FAQs

Please tell us what you think about our website, we welcome your feedback.

Customer notice

Due to essential maintenance some of our web services will be unavailable between these times 7pm Friday 25 May and 5pm Sunday 27 May 2012.

In case of any emergencies please see our Facebook or Twitter pages.

• Who can use the computers?
• When are the computers available?
• How much does it cost?
• What do I need to get started?
• How should I avoid eye and wrist strain?
• How can my child stay safe when using the Internet?
• How do I log on?
• Do I need to book?
• What can I use?
• Is there any limit on the sites I can visit?
• How long can I have?
• Can I save my work?
• Can I use my memory stick/USB drive?
• How will I know when my session is ending?
• Can I book a session in advance?
• Can I make print outs?
• What happens if I do not collect my print outs?
• Can anyone else see my data?
• Can I use email?
• Will I be trained to use a computer?
• Is the computer protected against viruses?

Who can use the computers? Anyone, but you have to be a member of the library service if you live, work or study in Wiltshire. Under 16´s must have the permission of a parent / guardian and should ask staff for a form. Visitors to Wiltshire can use the system on production of an official form of proof of address or passport. All users are required to agree to the Acceptable Use Policy .

When are the computers available? The computers are available during the library opening hours. Users are asked to reserve the last three minutes of their session for saving any files and logging off so that the next session can start promptly. The last session ends ten minutes before the library closes.

How much does it cost? Use of the computers is free. You have to pay for any printouts. The charge is 10p per sheet. Two sided printing costs 20p.

What do I need to get started? You will need your library card and your PIN. If you don’t know your PIN please ask staff for help. If you are not a library member please ask staff for details of membership.

How should I avoid eye and wrist strain?
We recommend that when using computers you should:
Take a 10-minute break in every hour.
Adjust your chair to a comfortable working height.
Put any information to be copied onto screen on the side most comfortable to you.
Allow yourself enough work space.
Give yourself enough leg space.
Adjust your monitor to avoid glare on the screen.

How can my child stay safe when using the Internet? Ask staff for a copy of the leaflet 'Guidance for Parents on Use of the Internet by Children' which gives advice and suggestions.

How do I log on? Find a free computer and check to see whether there is sufficient time before the next booking. The booking time is displayed below the Log In box. If a computer is not available, staff can tell you when the next one will be free. Pre-booked computers will show your name on the screen.To Log in enter your library card number and PIN and click on Log In. Agree to the Acceptable Use Policy by clicking on the Yes button.

Do I need to book? Booking is advisable. You can book up to 8 days in advance. You can book in person or by phone.

What can I use? The Internet and Microsoft Office software.

Is there any limit on the sites I can visit? Yes. The library uses filtering software to protect our customers and staff from any offence which might be caused by users accessing sites which contain content of the following types - pornography, drug abuse, intolerance and violence. Social Networking and chat sites are also barred as is the downloading of executable (exe) files.

How long can I have? Sessions last for 1 hour (Standard) or 30 minute (Drop-in). Please check with staff if you are unsure. You can have 2 sessions per day, only one of which can be on a Drop in machine.

If you have pre-booked a session you need to log in within 10 minutes of your start time or your session will be automatically cancelled. A missed booking will count as one of your daily sessions.

Can I save my work? Please ensure that your personal files are saved at frequent intervals and that files are closed and storage devices safely removed before ending or interrupting your session. Files are only saved temporarily – when your session finishes these files are deleted.

You can store your work on floppy disks or USB drives (available for purchase from library staff). The CD drives on older computers are 'read-only' and cannot be used to save your work. If you would like to use a USB device to save your work please check that it works on the machine at the beginning of your session. Please remove your floppy disk, USB memory stick, camera, MP3 player or other portable storage device before finishing your session or your data may be lost.

Wiltshire Council accepts no liability for loss of any data caused through the use of personal storage devices or media in Wiltshire Libraries Online computers.

How will I know when my session is ending? Your remaining time is shown at the bottom right hand corner of the screen. You will receive an on-screen warning 3 minutes before your session is due to end and a further warning 60 seconds before the session closes. The computer will then log off automatically deleting any files which are not saved on a removable disk.

If you wish to finish your session early you must click Start and choose Shutdown this session from the menu. If you are not sure how to do this please ask a member of staff.

Can I book a session in advance? Yes – you can book in advance by phone or in person. You can have up to two future bookings.

Can I make print outs? Yes – black & white prints can be made at a cost of 10p per sheet. Collect your prints from the library counter/desk. The cost of any uncollected prints will be added to your library ticket account.

What happens if I do not collect my print outs? The cost of your printing will be added to your membership file and you will be asked to pay on your next visit. Failure to pay will result in your use being suspended.

Can anyone else see my data? No. To comply with the Data Protection Act any files that you download or create in your session are fully deleted at the end of your session. If you do not save your files it will not be possible to recover them.

Can I use email? Yes, you can use any web based service such as gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo.

Will I be trained to use a computer? There will be no formal training but library staff will try wherever possible to help. Staff may not, however, always be able to give dedicated or unlimited assistance.Staff may be able to advise you on where to obtain computer training.

Is the computer protected against viruses? Yes it is. However, you should not rely on our virus protection if you want to take your files home to use on other computers.

Follow @wiltslibraries

Last updated: 11 April 2012