computer

In-Building Technology Use 

To meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community, we provide technology access to patrons and visitors. Our offerings include:

  • Free high-speed WiFi access, including extended parking lot coverage (select "MCPL_Wireless" to connect)
  • Public desktop computers with internet access and:
    • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
    • Zoom (for viewing and listening only; a webcam and microphone are not available)
    • Gaming
    • DVD / CD drives
    • CD-burning capability
    • USB ports
    • Headphones
  • iMac computers with digital creativity software
  • Printers with wireless printing capabilities (see additional information below)
  • A scanner and fax machine
  • Copy machine (payment required)
  • Mobile hotspots, iPads, flash drives, external hard drives, and more for check out from our Library of Things

Please sanitize your workstation before and after use.

 

Printing Details

We offer 30 cents worth of free printing per day for Library cardholders printing from our computers. Free printing does not apply to wireless printing. Black and white pages are available at 10 cents per copy and color pages at 30 cents per copy. If you do not have a library card, you will not receive free printing, but you can still pay for printing.

 

In-Building Laptop Checkout

The Downtown Library offers four Chromebooks for in-building Zoom meeting use for up to four hours. Laptops check out from the second-floor information desk and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Study rooms may be reserved up to 24 hours in advance for privacy.

The Ellettsville Branch offers four Dell laptops and two MacBook Pros for in-building use for up to four hours. Laptops check out from the information desk and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Laptops are equipped with Office 2019, Skype, and other programs that are available on our desktop computers (with the exception of games).

The Southwest Branch offers six Dell laptops and for in-building use for up to four hours. Laptops check out from the information desk and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Laptops are equipped with Office 2019, Skype, and other programs that are available on our desktop computers (with the exception of games).

 

Level Up Digital Creativity Center

Have an urge to create something? Whether it's a podcast, song, movie, flyer, 3D print, or something else, we have you covered! Level Up is an all-ages digital creativity center for video and music production, graphic and web design, memory preservation, 3D printing, and coding and game creation. It is located on the first floor of the Downtown Library and features a video production studio with a green screen, two audio production studios, 3D printing, and four digital creativity workstations with Adobe Creative Cloud.

 

Using a Public Computer

  • To use a public computer, log in with your library card number. If you do not have a library card, you may get a guest pass at any information desk. You'll need this login information if you're printing something.
     
  • Our time management software keeps track of the length of time you use a computer at the Library. Everyone is guaranteed one hour of uninterrupted use. When computers are available, the system will extend time in 30-minute increments after your first hour is up. An unlimited number of extensions will be granted to you unless a reservation exists for your computer. You may also request manual extensions of 30 minutes.

  • Our time management software does not have the ability to track what you view or do on a computer. The software only tracks the amount of time you spend there. Each day, your time record is deleted. For more information, you may view the Library's Privacy Policy Regarding Web and Email Communications and Internet and Computer Use Policy.
     
  • Breaks: You may leave your workstation for up to 15 minutes during a session by locking the computer. After 15 minutes, you may lose your computer access.

 

Children's Computing

Children's desktop computers are available as well. The internet search and safety websites that are linked from the Library's children's services webpages have been selected to reflect the interests and informational needs of the children served.

Our Advanced Workstations in Education (AWE) early-literacy computing stations include more than 45 educational software packages spanning seven curricular areas! Educational titles are chosen for age appropriateness, educational value, replay interest, ease of use, entertainment value, graphics and sound, discovery and growth, and much more. The interface is imaginative and intuitive and encourages exploration by drawing kids into a learning adventure. AWEs are safe, fun, educational, and hassle-free, captivating kids and enabling them to explore immediately. They are top-rated by Children's Technology Review.

 

Computer Skills Help

Need help learning basic computer skills? We offer basic computer skills assessment and interactive tutorials through Northstar Digital Literacy.  Create a free account to build your skills and confidence.

Note: an email address is required for setting up your learner account.  If you do not have email, you can try these External Resources for learning on your own, or contact VITAL for assistance at 812-349-3173.

 

Lost & Found Items

Any items left at the public computers by patrons will be taken to the "lost and found" on the second floor of the Downtown Library or the information desk at the Ellettsville  and Southwest branches.