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Using Laptops in the Library

LAPTOP COMPUTER INSTRUCTIONS

  1. The Baldwin Public Library offers two laptop computers (an Apple iBook and a Dell Inspiron 4100) for use by customers in good standing who are registered in the library’s database.  The computers are loaned out by the Circulation Desk.
  1. In order to use one of the computers, you must be at least 18 years of age and be able to provide a legal form of identification, such as a driver’s license, which the library will keep as long as you have the computer.  You must also sign a form accepting financial responsibility for any damage to or loss of the computer while it is in your possession.
  1. There is no charge to use the computers.  You may, however, check out only one at a time, and you may use the computer only in the library.  The checkout period is two hours, and no renewals are allowed.  If you turn the computer in late, you will be assessed a fine of $1.00 an hour.
  1. No power cords are provided with the computers.  The computers run off of their batteries.
  1. Loaded on the computers are word processing and spreadsheet software, as well as three web browsers:  Internet Explorer, Mozilla and Netscape.
  1. You may print documents off of either computer using the library’s UnipriNT system.  The charge is $0.10 a sheet for black-and-white copies and $1.00 a sheet for color copies.  The Dell computer allows you to name your jobs, whereas the Apple computer does not.
  1. You are not allowed to save documents to the Dell’s hard drive, but you may save them to a floppy disk.  (Floppy disks can be bought at the Circulation Desk for $1.00 each.)  On the Apple, which lacks a floppy disk drive, you can save documents to the computer’s Documents folder and then e-mail them as attachments to your personal account.  After you return the Apple to the Circulation Desk, library employees will delete any personal documents left on the hard drive.
  1. Do not turn off the computer.    If you do so accidentally, or if the computer crashes, bring it to the Circulation Desk.  A staff member will then log you in again.