Computer Lab FAQ

Home > Central Library Computer Lab > Computer Lab FAQ

1. Where is the lab located?

2. When is the lab open? Do I need a reservation?

3. Why does the library have access to the Internet?

4. Do the library's behavior policies apply to computer use?

5. How much does it cost?

6. Do I have to pay for pages that I printed but do not want?

7. Can I use my own paper for printing?

8. What programs are available?

9. Does the computer lab use blocking/filtering software for objectionable material on the Internet?

10. Why doesn't the library have more computers with more programs?

11. How long may I use the lab?

12. Why do I have to get off the computer when I just found the information that I need? / I’m not finished sending an e-mail. / There was a problem with the printer so I deserve more time.

13. Why can’t I install my CD-ROM or program on your library computer?

14. May I use a my own disk?

15. May I use a ZIP disk or a USB flash drive?

16. Why can’t I download some files or Internet information to my floppy disk or other storage device?

17. May I access my e-mail in the lab?

18. Can you show me how to get an e-mail account and use e-mail?

19. How do I open an e-mail attachment?

20. When I’m using the library’s Internet computers, why can’t I send an e-mail by clicking on the “contact us” or “mail-to” link on a webpage?

21. Do you have AOL? Why is your Internet different from the one I use at home?

22. May I play games, visit chat rooms or use Instant Messengers?

23. Why do you allow kids to play games and people listen to music on the computers?

24. Is this PC frozen?

25. What classes or training do you offer?

Internet Access Guidelines

Internet Access Policy

1. Where is the lab located?

The computer lab is located in the Central Library at 201 East Market Street on the mezzanine level. 

2. When is the lab open? Do I need a reservation?

The lab is open to the public on a walk-in basis. On rare occasions, the lab is closed for library training sessions or meetings. Please call ahead (434) 295-4410 or check the lab schedule at http://avenue.org/labhrs.htm to find out if the lab is reserved at a particular time.

Normal Computer Lab Hours:  

*The library is closed Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

3. Why does the Library have access to the Internet?

The Internet offers a wealth of material, which enables the Library to enhance and supplement its existing collection. It allows access to ideas, information, and commentary from around the world. Much of the information on the Internet is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching. However, the Library also recognizes that there may be material that is offensive and disturbing to some individuals, or material that is illegal. Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current, complete, or free. Lab staff are available to provide guidelines in evaluating the credibility of a website; however, responsibility for use of the Internet information rests with each computer user.

4. Do the library's behavior policies apply to computer use?

If a patron’s use of our computers repeatedly results in noisy or disruptive behavior (which falls under other Library policies), he or she may be banned from using the Library and/or Library’s Computers. Such bans will be confirmed in writing to the patron, with appeals made to the Library Director.

5. How much does it cost?

Use of the computer lab is free of charge. Local residents will need a J-MRL library card or a computer access card.  Visitors/tourists with proper ID may request a guest pass.  There is a charge of 10 cents per  page for printing after the initial 2 free pages per day. 

6. Do I have to pay for pages that I printed but do not want?

You are responsible for paying for all pages that you print. Lab staff will gladly demonstrate the use of “Print Preview” so that you can easily determine in advance which pages you want to print. We use a print management software that will also inform you of the number of pages you are about to print.

7. Can I use my own paper for printing?

The Computer Lab uses a networked laser printer that you share with the other computers in the lab. We cannot control when someone prints and to prevent the chance of our printer damaging your paper, printing can only be done on library supplied paper. If you must use your own paper, we recommend you use the  the Word Processing computer in the Reference Department on the first floor.

 8. What programs are available?

Currently, the computer lab offers Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape, Microsoft Word 2003, Microsoft Access 2003, Microsoft PowerPoint 2003, Microsoft Excel 2003, and Microsoft Publisher 2003.  Staff provide limited assistance with software offered in the computer lab.

9. Does the computer lab use blocking/filtering software for objectionable material on the Internet?

In compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Jefferson-Madison Regional Library provides Internet workstations equipped with filtering/blocking technology.  However, the library recognizes that filtering/blocking technology is not a completely reliable means of protection from materials that may be offensive, controversial or illegal. All adults (17 years and older) seeking unfiltered Internet access for their own use must show proper identification (picture ID with date of birth) when requesting unfiltered access. The Library will consider formal requests to block or unblock specific websites with procedures similar to those for consideration or reconsideration of print materials.  Computer logs maintained by the filtering software will be deleted when no longer administratively useful. (more information can be found in J-MRL’s official Computer and Internet Access policy (J-MRL Policy: Section 4.7).

10. Why doesn't the lab/library have more computers with more programs?

At this time the Library budget is not large enough to add more computers, additional software, bandwidth or the additional technical support staff necessary to maintain more equipment. Space limitations are also a factor when considering adding additional computers to the libraries.

11. How long may I use the lab?

There are no restrictions when the lab is not full. Sessions are limited to 30 minutes while others are waiting. When your session is over, please promptly vacate the computer station and allow the next person to log in.  When the lab is busy, we ask that you wait 30 minutes before signing in again.

12. Why do I have to get off the computer when I just found the information that I need? / I’m not finished sending an e-mail. / There was a problem with the printer so I deserve more time.

Sessions are limited to 30 minutes while others are waiting. PCReservation will enforce established time limits to ensure that the maximum number of patrons have fair and equal access to our computers.

13. Why can’t I install my CD-ROM or program on your library computer?

To protect Library computers from tampering, the Library uses security software that prevents changes to our browser settings or the transmission of viruses. This security software prevents the installation of outside software, such as the installation required by CD-ROMs.  Also, downloading/installing software onto library computers in prohibited by J-MRL’s official Computer and Internet Access policy (J-MRL Policy: Section 4.7).

14. May I use a my own disk?

Yes! All the computers in the lab use Norton Anti-Virus to scan disks for viruses.

15. May I use a USB Flash Drive?

Yes, computers in the lab computers are equipped with USB ports for storage devices such as flash drives.

16. Why can’t I download some files or Internet information to my floppy disk or other storage device?

Some files cannot be opened on our computers because they require programs that are not installed on our computers or due to incompatibility with the software we use to protect our equipment from viruses and tampering. Additionally, a file may be too large for your floppy disk.

17. May I access my e-mail in the lab?

You can access your web-based e-mail in the computer lab. This includes sites such as Yahoo! Mail and Hotmail. Staff provide limited assistance with e-mail.

18. Can you show me how to get an e-mail account and use e-mail?

To establish an e-mail account, you must choose an e-mail provider and sign a user agreement/contract with that provider. There are many free e-mail providers that you can register with for an e-mail account. Lab staff can help you find a list of e-mail providers or assist you in accessing a specific provider’s webpage, but cannot register you for an e-mail account or provide extensive instruction on using e-mail. Registration and use instructions at the e-mail provider sites are usually clear and there are books and magazine articles available with additional information on e-mailing.

A note about email security: E-mail accounts are password-protected, which means that your account can only be accessed by using your personal password. Anyone who obtains your password (either accidentally or on purpose) has access to your account. We advise that you keep your password private and change it on a regular basis. Because of privacy and identity risks, never share your password with others.

19. How do I open an e-mail attachment?

Most e-mail programs will ask you to double-click on an attachment to open it. You will be asked if you want to save the file or open the file. You will want to choose “open the file.” If our computers have the software needed to view the file, the file will automatically open. If the file does not open, please contact staff for assistance.

20. When I’m using the computer lab’s Internet computers, why can’t I send an e-mail by clicking on the “contact us” or “mail-to” link on a webpage?

These kinds of website e-mail prompts do not work with computers set up for multiple users such as in the Computer Lab. To send e-mail from library Internet computers, you must be logged on to your personal e-mail account, such as in Hotmail or Yahoo mail, and then e-mail the website contact/organization to whom you’d like to send mail.

If you encounter a “contact us” or “mail-to:” link on a webpage, see if the e-mail address is also included as text nearby (e.g., customerservice@acme.com). If the e-mail address is not visible on the webpage, try hovering the cursor over the “contact us” link without clicking. The e-mail address should appear in the browser status bar at the bottom of the screen. Simply note the e-mail address listed after the phrase "mailto:" and use it from within your own e-mail account.

21. Do you have AOL? Why is your Internet different from the one I use at home?

The computer lab does not use AOL as their Internet Service Provider. To check your AOL e-mail, visit www.aol.com and follow the directions found there.  

The Internet is the same throughout the world, but computers use different software programs (browsers) to view the Internet. Each browser provides similar options but may have different design features or display websites in a different manner. Our computers offer Internet Explorer, Netscape and Firefox. Computers that you use at home, at school, or work may use browsers such as AOL, Opera, etc.

22. May I play games, visit chat rooms, or use Instant Messengers?

Yes, as long as you do not download or install software. Some of the Instant Messengers offer java-based versions that you may use. Staff provide no assistance with games or chat programs.

23. Why do you allow kids to play games and people listen to music on Library computers?

We provide free and equal access to library computers. Just as we do not restrict access to printed materials based on age or content, we do not restrict access to our computers based on the user’s preference to access game or music websites.

24. Is this PC frozen?

There are several reasons that a computer appears to be “frozen.” Sometimes a computer will freeze because the Internet connection is interrupted, a website is incompatible with our software, or loads too slowly because of heavy Internet traffic or other reasons. Please never reboot or turn off library computers under these or any other circumstances. Always ask a staff person for assistance.

25. What classes or training do you offer?

The Reference Department staff offer individual tutorials as an Introduction to the World Wide Web.  The hands-on introduction to the World Wide Web will teach you how to navigate the Web using a browser and show you how to search for the information you want.  To register for FREE individual tutorials, visit or call the Reference Department on the first floor, 979-7151 ext. 4. These tutorials are offered year-round.

Internet Access Guidelines

For your comfort and the comfort of other visitors to the library we ask that you follow these guidelines:

Computer users must sign in using his/her valid J-MRL library card.  Visitors and/or persons who are not eligible for a library card may request a guest pass or a temporary Computer Access Only card.

Use of another person's library card for computer access is not permitted.

All adults (17 years old and older, based on library card registration) seeking unfiltered Internet access for their own use may temporarily disable filtering for each session.

No more than 2 users may use a workstation at one time.  Adults may not share unfiltered computers with minors (under 17 years old).

The library's Internet access is intended as an informational and educational resource.  Limited staff support provided for e-mail and audio-visuals, and no support is provided for chat and games.

Computer sessions are limited to 30 minutes when others are waiting.  Please wait 30 minutes before using another computer.

Users may not install software, save files on or connect their own equipment to library computers.  Tampering with computer settings is not permitted.

Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet.

The library reserves the right to terminate a computer session should computer use result in disruption of library service.

Any illegal activity involving the library computers shall result in suspension of loss of library privileges.

Patrons using Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s facilities to access the Internet shall agree to and abide by J-MRL’s official Computer and Internet Access policy
(J-MRL Policy: Section 4.7). Copies of this policy are available upon request.

Home > Public Internet Lab > Internet Lab FAQ