Library Services and Collections

Internet and Computer Access

• Wireless Access at Madison Public Library
• How many computers do you have available for the public to use?
• What programs/applications do the computers have?
• What requirements do people have to meet to use the computers?
• Do you have time limits for computer use?
• What policies do you have about printing from the computers?
• May I save to a disk? May I print from a disk?
• How can I save files to a CD?
• May I reserve a computer?
• What if I'm late for my reservation?
• May I check my email?
• Do you offer help or training with specific software?
• What are my rights as a computer user?
• Will MSN Messenger or Yahoo Messenger work on the computers?

 

How many computers do you have available for the public to use?

This varies by location. The Central library currently has 15 Internet/Microsoft Office machines. Some branches have as many as ten internet access computers, others have two. See Computer Features and Time Limits chart or call ahead to check availability and policies?

What programs/applications do the computers have?

All locations have internet access computers with the Internet Explorer browser and standard plug-ins like Adobe Acrobat. All locations also have at least two machines for word processing with Microsoft Word. See Computer Features and Time Limits chart for a list of machines with internet. For word processing, call ahead to find out your options.

Call ahead to check options for a particular location.

What requirements do people have to meet to use the computers?

In order to provide equitable access, Madison Public Library has implemented a computerized sign up system for internet access and Microsoft Office computers. This system allows you to reserve computer time up to two days in advance.

To use these computers, you need a valid library card or an Internet Access Card. An Internet Access Card can be obtained by anyone showing one of the following forms of ID:

• driver's license
• state ID card
• university or college ID
• high school or middle school ID
• passport
• other official license of ID card issued by a governmental body or public agency in Wisconsin or by an employer
• birth certificate
• Social Security card
• medical card
• checkbook or bank book
• voter registration card
• fishing or hunting license
• credit card

Do you have time limits for computer use?

Yes. Time limits are per person per day, and vary by location. Different types of machines at each location may have different session lengths. For example, some locations have 15 minute express machines and 30 minute machines. Others have machines that can be reserved for 120 minutes.

The libraries using this Libonline signup software have agreed to an overall limit of 210 minutes per day. You may visit multiple libraries in one day, but may only use 3 1/2 hours total per day on machines with this Libonline signup system.

If you reserve a computer online using Library Online software, you will be able to book at least one half-hour time slot per day.

Time limits per person per day as of 04/03/08 are listed on the Computer Features and Time Limits chart (PDF)

What policies do you have about printing from the computers?

There is a $.10 per page charge, even if you bring your own paper.

May I save to a disk? May I print from a disk?

You may save to a floppy disk or print from a floppy disk on all public internet computers. Some computers do not have Word or Microsoft Office, however. See Computer Features and Time Limits chart for details.

How can I save files to a CD?

Some libraries have access to the CD-R or CD-RW drive.See the Computer Features and Time Limits chart (PDF). See our instructions on burning data to CDs.

May I reserve a computer?

You may reserve a computer by calling the location or reserving a computer online for today, tomorrow or the next day.

What if I’m late for my reservation?

There’s a 10 minute grace period before your slot is given away. If you don’t show up or cancel before your time starts, those 10 minutes are deducted from your total allotted computer time for the day.

You can have 4 ‘no shows’ in 14 days with no penalty, other than the loss of grace period minutes. If you actually use a computer after 2 no shows, you’ll get a warning message about the fact that you have no shows accumulating. If you do have 5 no shows in 14 days, you won’t be able to use the computer until you are down to 4 or less in a 14 day period.

At libraries where we allow customers to combine two or three half hour sessions into one solid hour session, a ‘no show’ for an hour session counts as 2 no shows. A solid 90 minutes session counts as 3 no shows; a 2 hour session counts as 4 no shows.

If you have a reservation, the time allotted to you that day starts when your reservation starts. So, if you have a 1 p.m.-1:30 p.m. reservation, but don't get logged in until 1:08pm, it's as if you used those 8 minutes. Your session will be 22 minutes long.

May I check my email?

Yes, as long as you have a web-based email account. Find out more about free, web-based email options available.

Do you offer help or training with specific software?

Our librarians can often provide brief assistance with common programs or basic internet functions. We also offer a wide range of books, searchable electronic books, online help, and tutorials. Some libraries offer one on one instruction tailored to your needs. Call to ask, or for a referral.

What are my rights as a computer user?

You have the right to unmonitored use, providing you comply with the library's Internet Use Policy and Behavior Policy. Electronic sign up records are kept for ten days before discarding. For more information about customer privacy, see our information sheet on the USA Patriot Act and Madison Public Library Records.

Will MSN Messenger or Yahoo Messenger work on the computers?

Some instant messaging software may work if the messaging is built into a web site. Most programs, however, including MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger will not work because they require you to download and install software to the hard drive. This function is blocked on library computers for security purposes.

Web Messenger on Yahoo often works for our customers. Click on 'Messenger' from the main Yahoo page, then scroll to the bottom of the messenger page and click on 'launch web messenger.' This prompts you to login and use web messenger. There may be some limitations.

---