# Using public computers at a library
# Introduction
Public computers at your library can be roughly divided into two groupsbased on how they can be used. Some of them are bookable onlineand some are available only for quick internet access and bookings are not allowed. Computers available only for quick internet access usuallyoffer only 15 min usage sessions (longer durations may also be available) and are called ‘rolling’computers(this name comesfrom the way sessions with these computers work).The end of your session will ‘roll’ based on the time you log in. For example,ifyoustart using the computer at 13:15 and the computer you are using has 15 min session duration, your session will end at 13:30.
Bookable computers are available for booking online(see. chapter 2).If you have made a booking in advance, eBooking will keep your computer reserved for you and only you can use it while it’s reserved.You have certain amount of to time(usually5-15 min)to start using the computer you have reserved* (*the actual time may vary between libraries and computers–please ask a member of the library staff at your library fordetails). If you are late to your reservation, your reservation will be automatically cancelledandthe computer will be made available to all library users. You can also use bookable computers without having a reservation.
Session durations on bookable computers are usually 30 min or 60 min. Session durations are calculated periodically and do notroll based on your start time. For example, if your library opens at 10:00thefirst session on 30 min computersisat 10:00-10:30, the next is at 10:30-11:00 etc.If you start using 30 min computer at10:15 your session ends at10:30. If session duration is 60 or longer sessions will start and end at each full hour. For example, if library opens at 10:00the first session willbe at 10:00-11:00, the nextat 11:00-12:00etc. If you start usinga60 min computer at10:15, your session ends at11:00. The time at which you start using a computer doesn’t affect the end time of your session, but you can extend your session by reserving the next session if it’s available.
# Logging in to a workstation
If a computer says ‘Computer available’ you can start using itby entering your library card and PIN or username and password in their respective fields and clicking ‘Log in’.
If a computer has upcoming bookings the ‘Next booking’box will appear at the bottom of the screen. That will help you to determine where there is enoughtime available for your need.If it isyour reservation thatiscoming next, you can log in before it begins and start usingthe computerright away and until the end of yourreservation.If your reservation is between16:30and 17:00 and you arrive earlier at16:05 and the computer you have booked is available, just log in and it will be reserved for you from 16:05 until 17:00.
If you want to stop using the computer before your time ends, click the ‘Logout’ button at the bottom of the timer window.
Note
Clicking the 'Logout' button will close any programs that you may have opened with their files and enter ‘computer free’ modeto wait for a new login. Remember to close all your apps and files first!
# Logging in to reserved workstation
When a computer is reserved ‘Computer reserved’text will be displayed on the screen. If itisreserved foryou can start using itby entering your library card and PIN or username and password in their respective fields and clicking ‘Log in’.
# 5 minutes left
When your session is coming to an end, and there areonly 5 minutes left,thetimer windowwill show up and asks you to save your workand prepare to log off.
# 1 minute left
You will receive a final notification when you have 1 minute left before your reservation time expires. When the time is up, all your apps will be automatically closed, you will be logged out and computer goes into ‘Computer available’ or ‘Computer reserved’ mode dependingon its reservations.
# Locking a workstation
Some computers can be locked for a short period of time. If you need to take a break, click the ‘Lock’ button in the timer window.The computer will lock itself and only you can unlock it.
Note
The computer can usually be locked for between 5-15 minutes or at the end of your session, depending on which comes first. If your computer lock expires while you are away,all your apps will beclosed, all unsaved work is lost and computer transitions to ‘Computer available’ state, where it will be available to all customers again.