-- BOOKING A COMPUTER FAQs --
A Bit and Byte of Information
In order to use Internet-enabled computers in the Library, users will need to log on using their KPL library card number and PIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does KPL’s NetLoan Computer Reservation system do?
NetLoan allows you to reserve time on some of the Internet computers at all Kitchener Public Library locations remotely online, by telephone, or at the library.
2. What do I need in order to reserve a computer?
You will need a KPL library card and PIN code to reserve and log on to the computer.
3. What if I cannot get a KPL card?
For customers not eligible for a free KPL card, guest cards are available free of charge. The guest card permits access to our computers only and will not be valid for borrowing library materials.
4. What if I am a visitor to KPL and just want to quickly check my email?
Visitors can be signed on to the computer for a one-time session by the staff. If you plan to use the computers more than once while you are visiting, we suggest you get a guest card available free of charge.
5. How much time can I have on the Internet computers?
Library card holders can book computers at the Main Library for a maximum of 2 hours per day (1 hour on Sunday). Library card holders can book computers at the branch libraries for a maximum of 1 hour per day.
6. What software is installed on the computers?
KidTech computers have children’s software; all other bookable computers have Internet Explorer and full Internet access, along with Microsoft Office XP which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
7. Can I request a specific computer?
Yes. You can choose the location and the particular computer, as long as it is available. To use the Homework Centre computers, you must be a student and 18 years or younger.
8. How do I choose a location?
You can select the branch location most convenient for you on the reservation schedule. You may also divide your time between different locations during the day. Please be aware that you are limited to one hour on the computer at each of the community branch locations, as well as on Sundays at the Main Library.
9. Can anyone use the Homework Centre computers?
Access to these computers is restricted to students 18 years and younger, for a maximum of an hour and a half for homework purposes only.
10. How can I tell if a computer has been reserved for someone else?
On the reservation screen, the light blue boxes represent someone else’s reservation. A white block is free space to reserve. Your reservation will show up in dark blue.
11. Where can I reserve time on a library computer?
Computer time can be reserved in the Library (in some cases on a booking kiosk), over the phone, or anywhere that you have Internet access to the Library’s website at www.kpl.org/netloan/index.htm
12. Do I have to reserve a computer in advance?
As long as there is time available, you can directly log on to an Internet computer that is not in use or has not been reserved for another customer. You will still need your library barcode number and PIN to log on. It is advisable that you do book time in advance so you can be assured of the time and computer you want.
13. How far in advance
can I book a computer?
You can reserve a computer up to 2 days in advance, using our online booking system, or by telephone, or in person at the library.
14. Do I have to use all my time at one booking or can I split it up during the day?
You can divide your 2 hour daily computer time at different locations and have multiple bookings during the day.
15. What if I am late for my booking?
You must log on within the first 10 minutes of your start time or the reservation
will be cancelled. The cancelled time will be deducted from your daily time
limit for that location.
16. Do the computers automatically shut down at the end of a reservation?
Yes. You will be given a 5 minute reminder before your session is over, and then you will be given a 1 minute warning. If you have not logged out, the computer will automatically shut down after this time.
17. If I finish early, what should I do?
It is important for you to log out if you are finished your session early. This prevents someone else from using your remaining time and getting into programs under your library card and password.
18. If I end my session early, can I use my remaining time later that day?
Yes. You may use it later or if there are computers available.
19. Can I bank any extra time I haven’t used during the day and
add it to another day?
No. You can only use 2 hours each day and cannot save it to use on another day.
20. If I have used all my time for the day, but there are still some available computers with no one using them, can I sign in?
No. Each person is only allowed a maximum of 2 hours per day.
21. If I have to leave the computer for a few minutes will I lose my
session?
No. You will not lose your session if you “lock out” your computer.
The icon is on the task bar at the bottom of the screen. You can lock out your
session for up to 10 minutes which will be deducted from your session time.
If you are not back after 10 minutes, the computer will automatically log you
out.
22. If I do not
use the mouse/keyboard for a certain length of time, will I be logged out?
If there is no mouse/keyboard activity for 10 minutes, the computer will send
a message to the screen, saying it will go into automatic lock out if you do
not move your mouse/keyboard. If you do not respond, it will go into lock out
mode. If after 10 minutes, there is still no computer activity, the computer
will log you out, and the waiting time will be deducted from your computer use
time for the day.
23. What if I log out by mistake?
If you still have time available on your library card, you may log back in with your library card and PIN code immediately. If you wait, someone else may book the time with their card and PIN code.
24. Will the computer system track which web sites I visited?
No. The only information the system collects is your library card number and the amount of computer time you have used. No information is collected with regard to the Internet sites you have visited. All user data is automatically cleared when the computer shuts down, so that other users will not be able to see which sites you visited, or look at any of your documents.
25. Can I print my information?
Yes. It costs 15 cents per page to print in black & white, and 75 cents per page to print in colour. Please note that with some printers, PST may be charged also.
26. Can I save my work?
Yes. You can either bring in your own disc or other storage device (floppy disc, writeable CD, USB drive) or you may save your work in the Public Folder (M: drive) available on each computer (please note that this folder is emptied when you log out). You may also purchase a floppy disc, CD-R, or USB jump drive from the Library.
27. Can I use my own software on library computers?
No. You may only use the software which is provided on the library computers. All users are restricted from installing any of their own software on library computers.
28. What if the computer freezes or stops working during my session?
If the computer freezes, press the power button on the front of the computer to shut down and restart the computer, or ask the library staff for assistance. The inactive time is counted and when the workstation reverts to “active mode,” the reserved session will run until its original end time.
29. Why do I get an "Invalid card number or PIN" message when I try to log on?
Try again, you might have made a typing mistake. Before you enter the information again, check the NUM Lock and CAPS Lock keys. Remember not to leave spaces when typing the barcode of your library card.
30. I don’t know much about computers or the Internet. Can someone at the library teach me?
Volunteers are available to give basic instruction in the use of the Internet, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. These one hour sessions are free and an appointment must be booked in advance. For more information or to make an appointment with a volunteer, call 519 743-0271 ext 248 at the Main Library.
To make a volunteer appointment at one of the branches,
please call the appropriate branch library.
Country
Hills: 519-743-3558; Forest Heights: 519-743-0644; Grand River Stanley Park: 519-896-1736; Pioneer Park: 519-748-2740.