Computer Resources
Computer Resources
The New Hartford Public Library is fortunate that it can offer a level of computer access that is among the most comprehensive in our Central New York region. We are able to provide our patrons with 13 computers for full access to the Mid-York electronic catalog, World Wide Web, and document production applications such as word processing. In addition there are two(2) computers reserved for catalog access and six(6) e-macs for use by children and their parents. Laser black and white, and inkjet color printing are also directly available to the public. The Library is also equipped with wireless for use with personal portable computers. All of these computers and other equipment have been made available through public funds or through the hard work of the Library Friends. Please take good care of them because they are not easily replaced.
Computers and Equipment Available for Patron Use
- There are 13 general purpose Microsoft Windows Vista computers for use by adults.
- The adult computers are equipped with a complete suite of Microsoft Office 2007, including Access, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, and Word.
- There are two(2) Microsoft Windows XP Computers dedicated to Catalog Searches.
- There are six(6) Apple Macintoshes for use by children 13 years old and under who are accompanied by an adult.
- There is a flat bed Epson photo and document Scanner attached to one adult computer. The host computer has software to convert scanned text documents to editable text.
- There is a heavy duty black and white laser printer and a color inkjet printer
- Our wired internet access is very fast and meets or exceeds that of Time-Warner cable or DSL.
- Our internet providers are the Mid-York Library System and a courtesy account from Time-Warner Cable.
- For portable computers, we also provide wireless service in the main library space and in the upstairs and downstairs meeting rooms.
Access to the public computers is controlled by the CASSIE automated management system. CASSIE is used to ensure that all of our patrons have equal access to our available computer resources. CASSIE also manages the public printers to minimize lost or wasted printouts.
Each computer will require a log on procedure. Please read the following guidelines to understand the log on procedure and policies
1. Mid-York library System members must enter a valid library card number to log on to a computer. If you are a visitor, you must go to the circulation desk to get a temporary number. If you reside in the region serviced by the Mid-York Library System but do not have a card, you may get one at the Library circulation desk. There is no charge for a new card.
2. You are free to sit at any available public computer except for the Macintosh computers in the Children’s Area. These are reserved for children 13 years old and under, accompanied by a parent or caretaker.
3. On an available computer, you will see a log-on screen that asks for your Mid-York Library Card number. If you do not see the screen immediately, move the mouse or tap any keyboard key.
Log in by typing in your 13 digit card number (If you have an older card there may be a leading "A", Do not do not include this in your number.) or a temporary number obtained at the circulation desk.
If your number is valid, the CASSIE screen will clear and you will have access to the Microsoft Windows Desktop and available software.
If no computer appears to be available, go to the circulation desk to request a computer. The library staff will put you on a waiting list for the next available computer. They will call your name when one becomes available.
4.) At the bottom of the active desktop there will be bar with a series of clickable buttons. The first button (My Account) verifies your name and notifies you of any print charges you may accumulated.
The second button (Lock Screen) permits you to momentarily leave your computer. Your ongoing work will be hidden and others will not be able to access the computer. When you return you will have to reenter you number to reactivate your screen. If you do not reactivate your machine within 10 minutes, your session will be cancelled.
The third button (Exit) is the most important. Be sure that you click on the Exit button when you are finished with your session. The computer will then end your session, restart, clear any work you have left on the computer, and become ready for the next user. Do not shut off the machine using the Windows "Shut down" function, the computer "off" button, or by pulling the plug. This will clear your data but not end your session.
5. After a successful log in, you will initially be allocated a ONE HOUR block of time. If no one waiting for a computer at the end of this hour, you will be given a chance to extend your session in 15 minute increments. You may continue working as long as the increments are granted for up to a maximum of six(6) hours.
A clock in a corner of the screen keeps track of the time remaining in your session. You will be given a 5-minute and a 1-minute warning on the computer screen that your one-hour session is about to end. When your time is up the computer will automatically close at the end of your session and clear all records made during the session.
6. The computer will warn you on-screen 15 minutes before the Library closing time and the computer will turn itself off 10 minutes before the Library closes.
Note: If you require extended hours for a special project, please contact the circulation desk for a special computer reservation.
A high speed, black and white (B&W) laser printer and a color inkjet printer are available.
We charge $0.20 per page for black and white printing and $1.00 per page for color printing. These charges are used to service the printers and for supplies.
Because of costs, it is recommended that the color printer be reserved for special projects and the B&W printer be used for all routine printing. Be sure that the B&W printer is selected in the Print dialog window.
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When you print, CASSIE will provide the following dialog box:
Be sure to check the number of pages you have printed and the charges associated with them. If they are not what you expected, click on the "Do Not Send" button to cancel.
If they are satisfactory, click on the "Send" button to send your printout to the printers.
The printers are located at the end of the circulation desk closest to the rear exit. To get your printout, you must get assistance from the library staff. They will verify your name, accept payment, and release your print job. At this time, you will have another opportunity to cancel your printouts if number of pages and charges are not what you expected.
If you have difficulty printing on your own, please ask one of the library staff for assistance.
Note: While we do provide wireless service, at present there is no wireless service to our printers.
- If you have questions about operating the computers or the software, please ask the library staff for assistance
- We have one half time staff member whose principal function is to help people with the computers.
- If he is not available, other staff members will be able to help you with most problems.
- If any of our computers lock up, please ask one of our staff to restart it. Do not restart it or turn it off on your own, and do not just leave it and move to another computer.
- Please do not turn the computers off from either the power button or the floor switch. If a computer appears to be locked up, please ask for assistance.
We allow nearly all activities that are required for modern computer use. You can create documents, download documents that you require, download and install software that you may need, and many other functions. The library does expect you to act responsible and remember that our computer equipment is needed by many other members of our community.
Our computers are protected in two ways. We use commercial anti-virus software and update it regularly, and we employ a system that clears any work you have done at the end of your session, and any software or documents you have downloaded to our equipment, including malware you may have accidentally downloaded.
While it is possible to temporarily store documents on our computer hard drives, we recommend that you do not risk doing this. If your session runs out of time, the power fails, or the computer malfunctions, you, will loose your work. Instead, it is advised that you purchase a flash drive that can be plugged into the USB sockets on our computers and save your work on this device. That way you can retain the work that you have completed and take it with you when you leave the library. Remember to save your work often. You will be glad that you did.
The Library takes no responsibility for lost work or the time you may have spent on it.
