Public Internet Computer FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Who may use library's public Internet computers?
The public Internet computers at the M. G. Parker Memorial Library in Dracut, Massachusetts are currently available to all library patrons. Dracut residents and patrons who live in towns that are members of the Merrimac Valley Library Consortium must used their MVLC libary card number to log on to the computers. Users who live outside the Consortium must sign in at the Reference Desk. Individuals are limited to two hours use per day.
You will also be required to observe the library's Internet Policy while using the computers.
How old do I have to be to use the Internet computers?
Children sixth grade and under must have a parent or guardian sitting with them when accessing the Internet.
May I use the Catalog-Only computers to access the Internet?
The Catalog computers are for looking up books and other library materials. They may not be used for other Internet access.
Where are the library's Internet computers?
Most of the library's public Internet computers are located on the second floor of the library. There are four Internet computers in the YA section and sixteen Internet computers in the Reference section.
What software is available on the library's Internet computers?
All the library's Internet computers are set up with Internet Explorer, Wordpad, and Notepad. Most computers also have Microsoft Office 2003 software (Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint).
Can I get help using the Internet?
Reference staff can spend only a limited amount of time getting you started using the Internet. If you have a question about searching or have a problem, reference staff will try to help you as time and training allows. However, please be aware that staff are not trained to troubleshoot all forms of Internet communication or applications.
How do I print information?
The library charges $.15 per page for printing from the library’s Internet computers. The library currently offers only black and white laser printing. The print station is located on the second floor near the reference desk. The printer is coin-operated and accepts most coins (not pennies), $1, and $5 bills.
How do I save information?
You will not be allowed to save files or favorite sites on the Internet computer's hard drive. The library’s Internet computers let you save certain types of files to a floppy or USB flash drive. The library provides floppy disks for customer use at a charge of $1 per disk. Please be aware of the size and format limits of your own disk. The Internet computers also have USB ports if you have a plug-in device that uses this type of connection.
Downloading a large volume of files (in number or size) is restricted. The library network has limited band-width and copying large quanitites of data can affect the performance for the entire linbrary network.
Downloading files carries the risk of virus contamination. The library does not offer virus checking for files that you download to your personal disk or USB device; you should scan those files for viruses before you load them onto another personal computer. Please be aware of the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, USC) when making reproductions of copyrighted materials from the Internet.
Are there any other restrictions?
You will also not be allowed to change the options on the library’s browser software. These measures are to protect your privacy and the integrity of our Internet computers. Changing the computer settings is grounds for removal of library Internet access privileges.
Page updated August 21, 2006.
This page was last updated on 02/18/2010
.
