Internet and Computers

Free Wi-Fi, access to computers and the internet via the People’s Network. We currently charge 30p per page for printing in black and white and £1.10 for colour.  The use of the computers and the internet is free.

Making your first computer booking?

Please go to your local library to register and receive your user number and PIN (Personal Identification Number).

Ways to book

As soon as you have received your user number and PIN, you can make a booking:

  • In person – Visit your local library (*see below also)
  • By phone – please provide your library borrower number (the number on your library card)
  • Online – ask a member of library staff if all computers appear to be fully booked when you need one. Some libraries may have more PCs or Laptops available which don’t show on the netloan self-booking system. Please note the Online booking service is only available for customers wishing to book remotely, outside of our own network.
  • From an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) kiosk at the AK Bell Library and at BreadalbaneLoch Leven and Strathearn Community Campus Libraries.

*Existing library members and customers who have used the public computers before, can also login directly to most PCs that are not currently in use (please ask staff if unsure)*

Non members and visitors are also entitled to use the computers, staff will issue you a temporary card. Please note that it is not possible to save work permanently to the computer’s hard-drive. Don’t forget there is also free wireless access to the internet at all of our site libraries.

Booking guidelines

The computers and internet service are very popular so we have introduced the following guidelines to help as many users as possible to access the machines. Please note that some of these guidelines are slightly different for our  Maker_Spaces  (ask staff for details).

Once registered you can make up to 2 advance bookings within a 5 day period.

Usually you will be able to book up to 2 hours computer time per day, but at busy periods this may not be possible. However, it may be possible to book a computer for longer than 2 hours per day during less busy periods.

If you find you need more time at the end of your session, you may be able to extend your own booking on some of our computers for up to 3 hours, depending on availability. If you are not offered an extension to your session on the computer screen, please speak to the staff at the bookings desk who will try to accommodate you.

Your booking will be held for 15 minutes. If you fail to login by that time the booking will be automatically cancelled.

Five minutes before the end of your time a message will appear on the screen advising you that your time is running low. The message will appear again with 60 seconds to go.

Acceptable use policy

The library service has an Acceptable Use Policy which provides guidance as to what is considered appropriate or inappropriate use of the computers in our libraries. Anyone wishing to use a computer must agree to abide by this policy before they are able to use the computer.

A copy of the AUP will appear on the computer screen as soon as you login with your user number and PIN. You must accept these conditions if you wish to proceed, if you choose not to accept them the session will end.

Accessible software

All of our libraries now have TextHELP Read & Write accessibility software installed to provide assistance for anyone with reading and writing difficulties, or anyone with English as a second language.

TextHELP Read & Write includes study skills tools that help with a range of tasks, for example, conducting research using the Internet, essay writing, report writing and proofreading.

A trackerball and keyboard with large keys are also available on request.

Some of our libraries provide a computer with a flatbed document scanner for customer use. Please contact your local library to see if they have one available before travelling.

The service is free, with no costs involved, and you don’t have to be a library member to use this service.