Patron Computer Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a library card to use the computer?
Free public access to computers in a fair and equitable manner is a valuable service provided by CADL. The new automated system was put in place to assure all patrons receive equal time on the computers. The system requires a way to track an individual’s time each day. Since most CADL patrons already own a card and those who don’t can easily obtain one, the card becomes the key to accessing the automated signup system.
Are you tracking my web usage?
No, the system tracks only the time used on the card each day. The information is deleted at the end of the day.
What if I don’t have my library card?
Express computers are available at most CADL libraries. They offer 15 minutes of use and do not require a library card. If your library does not have an Express computer, please ask staff for assistance.
How do I use the Express computer?
You may walk up to an express computer and type “express” in the box that asks for your library card number. You do not need to use a library card number.
Will my Youth One card work?
The Youth One Book card (green library card) will only allow you to check out one book at a time. For computer access, you will need a Youth card (blue library card). A parent or legal guardian with ID must accompany you to the library to obtain this card.
What if I have fines on my card?
As long as your card has not expired, you will be able to log-on if you have less than $10 in fines or fees.
The computer says “reservation could not be made.” What is the problem?
There may be a problem with your library record or your card is expired. Please ask staff for help.
Can I choose where I want to sit?
If the computer you want is available, you may sit down and logon. If all the computers are full, and you sign on at the reservation station, you will be assigned the next available computer. In some libraries you may select a specific area but not the individual computer.
Can I log my child and myself on at the same time?
No, the system allows for only one user at a time per card. Your child will need an individual card.
How much time can I have per day?
180 minutes (3 hours). Individual sessions are 30 or 60 minutes depending on the library and may be automatically extended if no one is waiting. You may sign up for additional sessions up to your maximum of 180 minutes per day.
Can I have extra time?
You will automatically be offered 15 minutes extra time if, 5 minutes before the end of your session, there is no reservation for your computer. This will continue up to your daily maximum of 180 minutes (3 hours). As soon as a reservation is made for your computer, however, these automatic extensions will stop being offered. Your session will end at its allotted time. If you have not used your maximum of 180 minutes that day, you can sign up again for the next available computer.
Can I start early if the person before me leaves?
If you have the next reservation on a computer and the current user ends his/her session early, you may sign in early. Use the reservation number on your receipt.
What if the person before me did not sign off?
Click “Done” and wait for the computer to reboot and sign on with your reservation number or library card number. This will maximize your time on that computer. If you wait until the previous person’s time is up, the computer may be reserved for another patron and your session will end.
What if someone at another computer leaves early?
If someone at a computer other than the one you have a reservation for leaves early, wait for it to reboot. Check the information window.
- If it says “Available” then you can trade your reservation on another computer for time on that computer.
- If it says “Available until” you may still trade your reservation for that computer but your time may be shorter than normal. You may use the computer up to the time of the next reservation.
To trade your reservation, click on the word “Available” and enter your library card as usual. You will be prompted to trade your existing reservation for a session on that computer instead.
Someone who came in the library after me got on a computer before me. Why did that happen?
The signup system reserves computers on a “first come, first served” basis but assumes patrons will use their full-allotted time. At the time you make your reservation, you are given a guaranteed reservation for the next available computer. If someone leaves early, that person’s computer may become available for immediate use up until a future reservation is scheduled. The first person to sign on to that computer, whether they have an existing reservation or not, may use it. However, that person will not be allowed to use the computer beyond the time it is reserved for another patron.
The computer says “Available until 1:30.” It’s 1:10, but it won’t let me sign on. Why?
The minimum session length is 15 minutes. The system maintains a 5 minute buffer between reservations. Therefore, if there are 20 minutes or less before a reservation or closing time, the computer will not make a reservation or start a session.
The computer froze up or crashed or the power flickered. Can I finish my session?
If a session is interrupted in this way, when it reboots, it will show a status of “Interrupted.” Click on the phrase “Click here if your session was interrupted” and you will be prompted for your reservation number from your receipt.
What do you mean my work is gone!?! I didn’t believe those warnings!
To ensure the privacy of each user and to provide the most reliable computing experience for every user, the computers are rebooted between every user session. As part of the rebooting process, all user data and changed settings are erased. Session time limits are enforced automatically by the system in order to share the computers equitably for all users.
How many warnings, when, and what do they say?
Warning #1 at 10 minutes before the end of a session:
Your session will end in 10 minutes. Plan to save your work now. All
files are erased at the end of your session.
Warning #2 at 4 minutes before the end of a session:
You have 4 minutes left. Print or save your work now! All files are
erased at the end of your session.
Warning #3 at 2 minutes before the end of a session:
In 2 minutes, this computer WILL TURN OFF automatically. Print or save
your work now. Any unsaved work WILL be lost!
Where are my files?
All programs are configured to temporarily store downloads and documents in the My Documents folder by default. My Documents is on the G: drive. To open My Documents, double click the My Documents icon on the desktop.
How long do you keep my login information?
All logon information is deleted at the end of the day.
Is there more help?
There are links on the desktop to “how to” documents for many common tasks. Many CADL libraries also offer classes. Ask a staff member for more information.
