Introduction
Public access computer terminals are available in all Surrey libraries. All library members are entitled to use the services, subject to their availability. Members with very overdue loans or outstanding accounts will have to clear these before accessing the services. If you are under 16 years of age you will need the written permission of your parent or guardian to use library computers.
Non-members can apply for a visitor card which will allow limited membership, until they are able to provide proof of address. Visitors to the area can ask for a guest log-in to allow one-off access for a small fee.
What you can expect to find
All libraries have up to date, well maintained computers. Monitors are 24 inches as standard. Internet connections are provided in all our libraries with a bandwidth to ensure high speed access to the latest multimedia rich websites. Printing is available as a paid for service.
Wi-Fi
All Surrey libraries have Wi-Fi access which is free to members and non-members 24/7, subject to availability. Where possible, libraries will provide electrical sockets for laptop users alongside work spaces.
Software
All terminals have the following software loaded as standard:
- Microsoft Edge Web Browser
- Microsoft Office 2019 Standard programmes: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Publisher
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Media Player Software
- Anti-Virus is provided by Deep Freeze Software
Members of the public are unable to download software or programmes that self install to library computers.
All customer's data will self wipe at the end of Customer's session after log out.
Library computers allow you to
- Manage your library account, renew and request books, and other material.
- Access on-line reference materials e.g. 'Who's Who'
- Search your family history using 'Ancestry'.
- Send and receive e-mails with your registered email account provider.
- Access the internet.
- Create and work on word-processed documents.
- Create and work on spreadsheets.
- Create presentations, posters, and databases.
Please note our acceptable use of the internet policy.
Individual libraries
Library Plus – our larger libraries are:
Camberley, Dorking, Epsom, Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, Redhill, Staines, Walton, and Woking.
Larger libraries offer:
- between 10 to 35 terminals available for pre-booking
- black/white and colour printing facility
- a document scanner should be available. Please check availability with our staff and volunteers
- regular, basic, computer training courses are offered
- one computer with large screen, accessibility mouse and keyboard.
Library - our medium sized sites are:
Addlestone, Ashford, Banstead, Caterham Valley, Cranleigh, Dittons, Egham, Esher, Ewell, Haslemere, Horley, Leatherhead, Molesey, Oxted, and Weybridge.
Medium sized libraries offer:
- between four and nine terminals available for pre-booking
- black and white printing facility
- occasional, basic computer training courses are offered
- 1 computer with large screen, accessibility mouse and keyboard.
Library Select - our small libraries are:
Ash, Ashtead, Bookham, Caterham Hill, Chertsey, Cobham, Frimley Green, Hersham, Horsley, Knaphill, Lightwater, Merstham, Reigate, Shepperton, Stanwell, Sunbury, and West Byfleet.
Small Libraries offer:
- between two and six terminals available for pre-booking
- black and white printing facilities
- 1 computer with large screen
Community partnered libraries are:
Bagshot, Bramley, Byfleet, Ewell Court, Lingfield, New Haw, Stoneleigh, Tattenhams, Virginia Water, and Warlingham,
Community Partnered Libraries offer:
- between two and six terminals available for pre-booking
- black and white printing facilities
- 1 computer with large screen
In addition, some community partnered libraries may provide their own IT equipment. This may not be to the same specification, or offer the same security as Surrey County Council provided equipment. Please seek local information.
Access and availability
- Library computers are generally available throughout opening hours, but due to IT processes, are shut down 15 minutes before closing time.
- On occasions library computers are reserved to allow training courses to take place.
- Library computers will occasionally be unavailable due to technical or maintenance issues.
- Library members are entitled to a maximum of two sessions, lasting 120 minutes, access per working day, subject to availability, across the libraries' network.
- A maximum session limit of 120 minutes will apply.
- Further sessions can be taken following a minimum 10 minute break.
- Between sessions each terminal will be re-booted, ensuring that no personal information is left, removing any virus threat, and restoring all settings. This essential process can take up to five minutes, which may delay your session start time, and may reduce time available for your session.
- Unused time cannot be carried forward to a future date.
- The library service will not reinstate 'down-time'.
- Subject to availability, further computer access can be obtained by purchasing a 'guest log-in', on the day, at the library.
Booking a computer
- computers can be booked up to 14 open days in advance
- members can book 12 sessions in advance, to a maximum of 120 minutes per day
- a computer will be held for a maximum of 10 minutes from the start of the session. If the session has not commenced, the booking will be cancelled.
Bookings can be made
- in person – using a Open Public Access Terminal within a library
- use the online Computer booking system.
- Contact us via email or telephone
Saving your work
It is the user's responsibility to save their work at intervals to a memory stick or similar device. The library service will not accept responsibility for any data loss. If using a memory stick, please close down using the 'eject hardware' icon at bottom right of screen. For your safety and security all files will be cleaned and cleared at the end of each user's session. Memory sticks are available for purchase at library desks.
Printing from library computers
Please note that you will be charged to print. Printing charges.
The library service uses a print management system to avoid wastage. Not all print formats and fonts are compatible; please see staff or volunteers if you are experiencing difficulties with printing.
Casual use of computers
Library members who have not booked in advance may still be able to access a computer. They should note in advance the available time displayed on the screen.
And finally…
Please do not allow anyone else to use your library card. Anyone found to be using another person's library card will have their session terminated, and will be barred from using the computers.
A maximum of two people may use a computer together, at smaller desks this is reduced to one person.
Headphones or earphones must be used for anything requiring sound and must be set at a level that does not disturb other users. Headphones may be borrowed, please see a member of staff for current hire charges.