Reserve a Computer - Frequently Asked Questions

The library's computers are in high demand, especially at peak times (usually 3 to 7 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons). With the Reserve a Computer system, you can reserve some time on library computers up to three days in advance.

• How do I make a reservation?

You can make your reservation at the library using one of the Library Catalogue computers, or access the Reserve a Computer system from any place you have Internet access.

You will be asked to enter a valid library card number and PIN (last four digits of your telephone number unless you have changed it) when making a reservation.

• What if I don't have a library card?

How to get a library card.

Express and drop-in computers do not require a library card. You can also speak to branch staff about obtaining a temporary one-time use number or an in-library access card.

• Do I have to make a reservation?

Reservations are the only way to guarantee that you will be able to use a computer at a given time, but if there is time available, you can sign in to any reservable computer that is not in use or has not been reserved for another person.

Branches may also have some express or drop-in computers that are not reservable and do not require you to enter a library card number. These computers are first come, first served.

• How much time can I spend on the computer?

You can reserve a maximum of 60 minutes - two 30-minute sessions per day per branch. Making a reservation for two 30-minute sessions in a row on the same computer will allow you to work continuously for 60 minutes without "timing out."

If no one else has reserved the computer, you can continue using it until the next reservation.

You can also use the non-reservable computers on a first come, first served basis: express computers have 15-minute sessions; drop-in computers have 30-minute sessions.

• Why does the Reserve a Computer system differentiate between adults' and children's library cards?

Children's computers can only be reserved using a child's library card. In keeping with the library's practice of providing age-appropriate materials for children in safe and welcoming environments, designated children's computers with filtered Internet access are available in the children's areas of branches.

Children are also entitled to make use of the unfiltered Internet access available on adult computers and are able to reserve adult computers with their cards. For more information, please see the library's Internet Use Policy.

How Reserve a Computer works

• The grey login box on the computer screen will show the status of your computer and whether or not the computer is reserved. If the computer is available, you will also see the amount of time that is available.
• All library computers time out. There will be two warning/prompting messages 10 and 5 minutes before your session ends.
• If no one else has reserved the computer, you may extend your session until the next reservation.
• To request a specific computer you will need to know the computer workstation number. Use the option "Reserve a Specific Computer" to select the computer you want to use.
• You must log on within the first five minutes of your start time or the reservation will be cancelled. If you are late for your booking the cancelled time will be deducted from your daily reservable time in that location.
  
• If you have to leave the computer for a few minutes you will not lose your session if you put the computer into Standby Mode by selecting Standby Mode from "Library Online" menu located on the Task Bar at the bottom of the screen. Standby Mode holds your session for 10 minutes. The 10 minutes is deducted from your session time.
• If you log onto the computer and you see a message that you only have a few minutes left in your session, this means that the computer you signed in to is reserved for another patron in a few minutes.
• If there is no mouse/keyboard activity for 10 minutes, the computer will send a message to the screen, asking you if you are still there. If there is no reply, the computer will log out.
• If you finish your session early,select the Library Online window from the Task Bar at the bottom of the screen and click on the "Log Out" button or close Internet Explorer by clicking the X in the upper right corner.
• If you log out by mistake and you still have time available, you will be able to log back on with your library barcode and finish your session. If you logged in with a one-time use number, you will not be able to log back on. Staff will issue you a second one-time use number if the computers have time remaining.
• If the computer freezes and has to be powered off during your session, press the off button on the front of the computer to restart the computer. The inactive time is counted and when the workstation reverts to "active mode," the reserved session will run until the original end time.
• To enlarge the print on the computer screen, select the font size (Largest, Larger, Medium, Smaller, Smallest) from the Size button on the Toolbar. Workstations with screen magnification software are available at all locations. These workstations can be reserved and are called Full Access Internet with Word Processing and Screen Magnification.