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COMPUTERS & INTERNET IN THE LIBRARY
Computer Lab Hours
Computer Classes & Online Tutorials
Computer & Internet Use Policy
Computers for Public Use
The Library's public use computers are PCs with Microsoft Windows XP Professional.
All computers at the Main Library, Adams Shore Branch, North
Quincy Branch, and Wollaston Branch now provide:
- Web browsing with Internet Explorer and Mozilla FireFox
- Chinese language pack for viewing Chinese characters
- Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint
- InterVideo WinDVD for watching DVDs
- Windows Media Player for listening to CDs
- QuickTime Player for viewing streaming media online
- Picasa2 for viewing and editing digital photos
- upgraded Kurzweil on Adaptive Technology Room computers
- Windows XP games
- ability to download programs
- ability to use headphones (bring your own or purchase ear buds at the library)
- ability to save data to floppy disk, CD, or flash drive
Main Library
There are 61 computers available for public use (not including computers with library catalog access only).
Computer use cards are required for users to access public use computers at the Main Library and the North Quincy Branch Library for e-mail and general Internet access. Computer use cards entitle registered users to one hour of computer use per day at the Main Library and 30 minutes per day at the North Quincy Branch. Adult computer use cards will only work on adult computers at the Main Library; juvenile cards will only work on computers in the Children's Room.
The purpose of the computer use card system is to insure that everyone gets equal time on library computers. Individuals who attempt to undermine the system to gain additional computer time under any access code other than their own will lose their computer privileges.
At the Main Library, adult users (including young adults in 8th grade or above) may register for a computer use card in the Computer Lab only. Users do not need to be registered OCLN borrowers to register for a computer use card. Computer use cards will be issued upon presentation of a valid OCLN library card or proper identification
showing name and current street address.
Children in the 7th grade and below may register in the Children's Room by presenting an OCLN library card.
Children's Room (ground floor)
One computer has games only. There are seven additional computers for public use, including one computer with software for low vision users. Children can sign in for 30 minutes of use at a time, with a maximum of one hour per day. Computers are reserved for children in pre-K to grade 7.
Reference Area (second floor)
There are several areas with computers for public use. In front of the administrative offices there are 15 computers designated for personal use, with Microsoft Office software and Internet access including e-mail. Near the Reference Desk there are 15 computers reserved for Internet research, including one dedicated to Quincy history databases and several restricted to newspaper, periodical and other databases provided through library funding.
Adaptive Technology Room (second floor)
Two computers have MAGIC text magnification software and Kurzweil
1000 software that converts the printed word into speech.
Priority is given to users who need assistive technology,
including people with disabilities and literacy tutors. Staff
assistance is available upon pre-arrangement. Reservations
can be made up to a month in advance. Call 617-376-1316 or
ask at the Main Library Reference Desk for more information
or to make a reservation.
Computer Lab (second floor)
16 computers have Microsoft Office software and Internet access. Several also have software for low vision users. The Lab is open to the general adult public except when computer classes are being held.
Computer Lab Hours
Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday 1:00-4:30 p.m.
All Lab hours are subject to change without notice, due to staff shortages or computer classes. To confirm that the lab is open, call the Reference Department at 617-376-1316.
Branch Libraries
The North Quincy, Wollaston and Adams Shore branch libraries each have several public use computers with Internet access available on a first come, first served basis.
Internet Access for Portable Computers
Wired Internet connections for portable computers, such as notebooks and handhelds, are available at the Main Library. Connections are located in the study carrels in the first floor circulation area and in the study carrels and tables in the second floor reference area.
Wireless Internet service is available for portable computers in most areas of the Main Library, including the Richardson building. Wireless service is also available at all three branch libraries. See our Wireless Internet User's Guide for more information about the library's wireless service.
Computer Classes & Online Tutorials
Introductory computer classes are offered in the Main Library Computer Lab on an ongoing basis. All classes are free, but space is very limited, so registration is strongly encouraged. To see the current class schedule, check the latest library Newsletter or the online Calendar
of Events.
All classes require some previous experience using the mouse and keyboard. If you do not have mouse/keyboard experience, you may call 617-376-1316 to arrange for a one-on-one tutorial, or try one of the following online practice tutorials:
Mousing Around
This tutorial will help you learn to use a mouse to interact with a computer.
Connect-the-Dots
A fun way to practice your mousing skills!
Learn to Search the Web
A self-paced tutorial in four lessons from SeniorNet.
Surf the Web
Includes Web-at-a-Glance, which introduces Web basics in a 10-minute tutorial.
In Pictures
Free computer tutorials based on pictures, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, Access), OpenOffice, Dreamweaver, PhotoShop, and more.
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