Public Computers

Our public computers are provided on a first-come, first served basis, and check out for a time period of one hour. If no patrons are waiting for computers, your time might automatically be extended, up to a maximum total of two hours per day. Your computer will automatically reboot when your time is up, at closing time, or if the computer detects a period of no activity. Please pay attention to warning messages and save your work frequently! Our complete Internet and Computer Use Policy is also available.

Our library uses the Pharos SignUp system for public computer management. This system ensures fair computer access to all of our patrons. Please note that the use of another patron’s account information to access the public computer stations may result in the suspension of computer privileges for one or both of the patrons in question.

The library makes Internet access via public computer stations available to patrons who agree to comply with the following guidelines by signing this Internet Use Agreement form.

Users must have a valid Ripon Public Library card. Valid cards belong to the patron signed onto the computer station and are in good standing in the library’s circulation system.

A user whose account is in collections may not use the library’s public Internet computers until they have paid the amount owed in full, clearing the collection status.

Children under 18 years of age must have this form on file signed by a parent or legal guardian.

The library prohibits the following activities on public Internet stations:

• Illegal activity.
• Sending, receiving, and/or displaying text or graphics which staff would consider pornographic.
• Displaying threatening, harassing, or abusive language and/or images.
• Any activity that interferes with the security and/or performance of the public computers and the library network.
• Accessing the operating system or making any modifications to the hardware or software installed on public computers.

The library uses filtering software to help prevent users from connecting to pornographic and other prohibited sites. Users may request that staff disable the filter if it blocks access to legitimate sites.

The library offers free wireless Internet access to patrons with Wi-Fi capable devices. The library will enforce applicable parts of this policy for Wi-Fi users.

Internet stations are available to qualified users on a first-come, first-served basis.

The library may limit daily and per-session computer usage. Computers automatically restart after a period of inactivity and when patrons log off. Security software deletes any files saved to the local computer.

Library staff are available for assistance but may not be familiar with every application or website that patrons want to use. In cases where patrons require in-depth instruction, library staff will direct patrons to appropriate resources or offer to schedule a 1-on-1 computer training session with library staff.

Information on the Internet changes constantly and it is not possible for the library to control it. Policies which apply t  o library materials do not apply to the Internet. It is the responsibility of parents or legal guardians to monitor their children’s use of the Internet and to determine what is appropriate.

Patrons who fail to comply with these rules will lose their public computer access privileges.

Library computer stations run Windows 10. Software availble for public use includes:

• Firefox
• Chrome
• Microsoft Office 2013 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Publisher)
• Calculator

Patrons may not install software on the public computer stations. Any operations which require administrator privileges will not work.

Patrons may use their own headphones with the public computers. Earbud style headphones are usually available to purchase for $1 at the circulation desk.

The library does not provide memory card readers. Patrons may bring in their own USB card reader to plug into the public computer station they are using.

USB access is available on the public computer stations. Although we cannot guarantee that every device will work, Windows should recognize most digital cameras, flash drives, and other storage media. For your convenience, a USB extension cable is provided on the counter top at each station (if you cannot find the cable, please ask for assistance).

USB charging cables for USB-C, USB-D, and Lightning devices may be checked out from the circulation desk. We can also charge your device while you visit the library.