BCPL Public Computer Stations

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Public Computer Stations

Public Computer Stations | Wireless Internet Access

Public Computer Stations

Public computers within all branches of the Baltimore County Public library, excluding those computers designated as Catalog Only computers, have only the following software installed:
Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Customers can view PDF files via Internet Explorer, but they will not be able to view email attachments.
Customers having web-based email such as WebMail, Hotmail, Yahoo, or any other web-based email account may send and receive email using the public computers, but they will not be able to view or download any file attachments other than PDF files.
BCPL allows the use of USB storage devices in its public computers to save or retrieve information. Please note that this is the only direct method for saving files as the CD and floppy drives on all public computers have been disabled and there is no mechanism for the saving of files to floppy disk or to CD. USB storage devices should not require device drivers or special software to be installed for use with Windows XP. Connecting other types of devices to the computer using the USB ports is not recommended. The library is not responsible for technical support required by the use of the devices or any damage, loss or destruction of personal devices connected by customers. Please note that the library does sell USB drives at each agency for at need purchase.
BCPL allows the use of USB storage devices in its public computers to save or retrieve information (USB storage devices should not require device drivers or special software to be installed for use with Windows XP). Connecting other types of devices to the computer using the USB ports is not recommended. The library is not responsible for technical support required by the use of the devices or any damage, loss or destruction of personal devices connected by customers.
Public computers do not have speakers, but customers may use their own headphones.
There is a computer printout fee for printing files from a USB device, and/or from the computer screen. All printing is done from a central computer printout station on standard white computer paper. Customers may not use their own paper. BCPL does not provide color printers at any location at this time.
Customers using public computer stations at Baltimore County Public Library are strongly encouraged to obtain a Baltimore County Public Library card. Register for a library card at the Circulation Desks of any of our branches. Valid identification is needed for registration. A library card will provide quick access to computers and may eliminate some time waiting for available stations.
Customers with library cards should register for a computer at the Computer Sign-Up station. Directions for sign up are posted at this computer. Customers may only use their own library card barcode number and must enter the barcode number and a name in the designated spaces. A nickname or initials is appropriate if there are privacy concerns.
When a computer is assigned to a customer he/she has 5 minutes to revalidate at the assigned computer with his/her barcode. If a customer does not revalidate within the time limit, the computer will automatically be reassigned to the next person waiting.

All computer sessions last 45 minutes and will be extended only if there is no waiting list.

Customers must relinquish computers after a 45 minute session if there is a waiting list. The computer will automatically end the session. A warning will be given before the end of the session.

Customers are allowed up to four 45-minute computer sessions per day.

One-time users of BCPL public computers may register as guests. All guests must present valid identification including a driver's license, student identification card, passport, or other picture identification to a library staff member. Instead of a barcode number, customers registered as guests may use the month, day and year of their birth.

Customers already registered as a library card holder with Baltimore County Public Library but who do not have their library card with them to sign-up for a computer must present valid identification to a library staff member who will look up their library card number. In order to protect library records and the privacy of BCPL customers, the information in our database must match the identification presented. Customers that need to update information such as address or name will need to reregister for a library card.

Students age 8 through 18 are strongly encouraged to obtain BCPL library cards. Students who do not have a library card may sign up as a guest using the identification of a parent, school ID, bus card, or other appropriate verification of name.

Children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult when using computers in any Baltimore County Public Library.
All customers using public computer stations must agree to abide by the Baltimore County Public Library's Internet Acceptable Use Statement.

Wireless Internet Access

Baltimore County Public Library now offers free wireless Internet access to library users with personal wireless-enabled devices such as laptop computers, PDAs and cell phones.

How it works:

If your laptop or other wifi device uses a removable wireless card, make sure it is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Depending on what type of wifi device you have, how recent it is, and how you have it configured, it may be able to connect to the BCPL wireless network automatically.

If it does not, use your device's wifi setup software to configure the following:

Network Name (SSID): BCPL-PUBLIC-WIFI
Network Mode: Infrastructure
WEP: Disabled
TCP/IP or Network Settings: DHCP enabled (sometimes called "Obtain IP address automatically")
DNS: Automatic
Gateway: Automatic

Your wireless setup software may not require all of the above. You are responsible for understanding how to configure your own wifi device. Because there are many different types of wifi devices requiring many different configuration methods, library staff are not able to assist you with the configuration of your wifi device.

Your use of the BCPL wireless network implies acceptance of the terms of service explained below.

Terms of Service
Use of the Baltimore County Public Library wireless network implies understanding of and agreement by you to be bound by the terms of the BCPL Internet Acceptable Use Statement. Please read it before using the service. Failure to comply with the BCPL Internet Acceptable Use Statement can lead to suspension of library privileges and/or prosecution.

In addition, use of the BCPL wireless network implies understanding of and agreement with the following:

The BCPL wireless network is compatible with wireless devices using the 802.11b and/or 802.11g wireless standards. This includes the vast majority of wireless-enabled devices sold in recent years. If your wireless device uses a different standard, such as 802.11a, it cannot connect to the BCPL wireless network. You are responsible for verifying compatibility of your equipment with the BCPL wireless network.
BCPL does not guarantee that you will have wireless access at any specific BCPL facility at any specific time or with any specific equipment. Service disruptions may occur, and some wireless equipment may not be compatible with the BCPL wireless network.
Library staff are not able to provide technical assistance with your wireless device, with your connection to the BCPL wireless network, or with your connection from that network to the Internet. As a user of the BCPL wireless network you are responsible for correctly configuring your own wireless equipment. Basic instructions are provided above.
You are accessing the Internet via a public network. BCPL cannot guarantee the privacy of information you transfer over that network or over the Internet.
Virus protection and the security of information stored on or transmitted by your wireless device is your responsibility.
BCPL assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of a customer's equipment, software, data or other personal property brought into or used within BCPL facilities.

Baltimore County Public Library, Towson Maryland USA
Last Revised: 21 July 2009
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