PC Lab Hours are:

Monday - Thursday                9:30 a.m. – 8:20 p.m.
Friday - Saturday                   9:30 a.m. – 5:20 p.m.

General Information:

To use the PC Lab, you must have a valid Rowlett Public Library card. Obtain a card at the Circulation Desk with your current ID and proof of current address.

Before using the PC Lab, patrons must have signed the “Release Form,” as part of their library card application, acknowledging that they understand the Library’s Acceptable Use Policy. Circulation staff will then help you create a pin number and update your library registration to allow you to use the Internet.

Youths under 17 must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign their Release Form.

The lab computers are available on a “first come, first served” basis. If there is an open computer available, you may sit down and log in by clicking on the word “Available” on the screen. If the computer screen says “Reserved”, another patron will be using that workstation at the time shown on the screen.

If there are no open computers, use the reservation station outside the PC Lab to reserve the first available computer. You will receive a printout listing the number of the PC you can use and the time it will be available. You have 10 minutes after that time to activate your session or your reservation will expire.

There is a maximum limit of 3 one-hour sessions per day per person, depending on PC availability. An on-screen timer will count down the amount of time remaining in the session.

When logging in with a reservation, type your library card number in the box at the top of the screen.

• You must have your library card # and PIN to use the PC Lab or make a reservation.
• You may NOT use someone else’s library card to access the Internet.
• One person per workstation, please.
• No cell phone use, food, or drinks allowed in the Lab.

Headphones

Headphones are available for purchase at the Circulation desk, or you may bring your own headphones. You must use headphones or mute the sound on the workstation when using the lab computers.

Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A)

A.D.A. compliant workstations are available in the Lab. If you need assistance at any time, please ask at the Reference Desk for help.

Printing

Black and white printing is $0.15 per page, color printing is $1.00 per page.

To Print: Use “File”, then “Print Preview” to be sure you are getting the information you want. Then click “File” and “Print” or click the printer icon on the toolbar at the top of the page to send your work to the printer. The computer will ask for your Library card number to identify your print job.
 
When you are ready to pick up your work, go to the print workstation outside the lab and enter your card number, click on the name of your print job, and click “Print” in the upper left hand corner of the screen.

Insert the money for your job in the coin box or money slot in the box standing to the left of the printer, and click “OK”. Your job will then be printed.

Downloading and Saving Files

It is possible to download articles, information, or files to a portable USB drive so you can read, print, or use them on your home computer. As a convenience, you may buy a USB drive at the Circulation Desk.

To save information to your drive, insert the drive into the workstation before logging in. To open files or save them to your flash drive, click on the Start button (lower left of screen), then on My Computer. Choose Files on LIB_, then click on Hard Drive 2. Save your files to this location from any program.

All applicable copyright laws apply.

Security Issues

All the following activities are prohibited on the Lab computers:

• Attempts to violate the system security of the Library’s computers.
• Disruption of network services, including but not limited to the transmission of viruses.
• Actions prohibited by law, including viewing inappropriate images or visuals.
• Violation of copyright
• Violation of software licenses.
• Loading software on library computers.
• Commercial activity.

Violation of the Library’s Acceptable Use Policy will result in loss of privileges to use the PC Lab.

Viruses

WARNING: Although the Library uses a virus detection program on all its computers, this will not completely eliminate the chance of getting a virus. It is strongly recommended that patrons obtain a virus detection program for their home computers. The Rowlett Public Library is not responsible for damage to a patron’s USB drive, or loss of data that may occur from patron use of the Library computers.

Need Help?

The Library has a large collection of computer books and videos which may be checked out.
There are tutorial slide shows and programs on the lab computers, and pressing the F1 key in most programs will bring up a help screen.

Staff Assistance

While the level of computer expertise varies widely among the Library staff and computer trained staff may not always be available to assist you, please bring your questions to the Reference desk and we will do our best to assist you.

The Lab is intended primarily as a Self Learning facility, but Reference desk staff can provide short individual instruction sessions on introductory computer topics.

Please ask at the Reference Desk if you need assistance with the public computers.

Internet Filtering

The Library provides two levels of Internet access, filtered and unfiltered.

Filtered access limits access to certain websites. It may block some desired content. Some unwanted content may not be blocked.

Unfiltered access has no restrictions other than those provided by law.

When you sign the Internet Release Form, you will choose which level of Internet access you would like, for yourself and your minor children.