Main Library

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

· What do I need to sign up a Reserved PC?

· How do I sign up a Reserved PC?

· How long will the system hold a reservation before the computer is released for reassignment?

· How much time do I have to use the reserved computer?

· Can I use the same computer if I complete my first session?

· Are there advance reservations by phone or over the web?

· Will the system warn me at the end of my time?

· What if I don't have my library card with me?

· What software is available?

Frances Perkins Branch Library

Anyone with a Worcester library card can reserve a computer for Internet access and word processing. Staff at the Circulation Desk will manually reserve a PC for you. Two half-hour reserved sessions per day is allowed for Internet access. Only one hour reserved session per day is allowed for word processing. Time may be extended if no one is waiting.

Children CD-ROM computers do not require a Library card for access. A half-hour session can be reserved on the signup sheet. Time may be extended if no one is waiting.

Great Brook Valley Branch Library

Staff at the Circulation Desk will manually reserve a PC for you. Two half-hour sessions per day are allowed to use computers. Time may be extended if no one is waiting.

What do I need to sign up a Reserved PC?

Anyone with a Worcester library card or a library card from any of the neighboring towns is able to sign up a Reserved PC. Otherwise, librarians can set up a temporary card for anyone with a Massachusetts library card or any out-of-town visitor. You must log in to the computers using your library card number and PIN. If you don't have a library card or have lost your card, you can get a new or replacement card at our Circulation Desk.

How do I sign up a Reserved PC?
Reserved PCs offer Internet access and common desktop applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc.) as well as online databases. These machines allow you to use a floppy or USB drive for saving personal documents. Reserved PCs require a valid Worcester Public Library card to reserve a session. Two reserved sessions per day with access for up to 96 minutes are allowed. You can sign up to use the computers by logging in with your library card and PIN. If a computer is vacant, just sit down and log in. Otherwise, just log in at the Signup Station and wait for your turn at the Queue station. The Reserved PCs in Children Room can be reserved for Children 12 and younger. The Reserved PCs in Teens’ area are for teens from age 13 to 18.

How long will the system hold a reservation before the computer is released for reassignment?
Our PC reservation software will hold your slot for 10 minutes past the time you reserved.

How much time do I have to use the reserved computer?
You will have a 48-minute session and up to two sessions per day.

Can I use the same computer if I complete my first session?
After your first session, if no one is waiting, you can sign up on the same computer. If other people are waiting, you can sign up for another session, but you will go into the queue and you will have to wait your turn.

Are there advance reservations by phone or over the web?
No.

Will the system warn me at the end of my time?
Yes, you will be warned twice at 5 minutes and 2 minutes before your session ends. If you ignore the warnings, the system will log off at the end of your time, and any unsaved data will be lost.

What if I don't have my library card with me?
We will look up your card number if you show us your picture ID. However, we are not able to tell you your PIN because it is encoded and therefore unreadable to staff. If you forgot your PIN, staff is able to delete your PIN so that you can create a new one.

What software is available?
For Reserved PCs:
For both Internet and Research/Information computers:
· Microsoft Office XP (2003) products: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher and FrontPage
· Street & Trips 2006
· Encarta Reference Library 2006

Children's Room computers have the Magic School Bus programs loaded.