Computers in the Libraries and Responsibility of Users 

The Library cannot control and is not responsible for the content or accuracy of information accessed over the Internet, nor can we control remote server availability or Internet response time.  Any restrictions of a child's access to the Internet are the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. 

Library computers are available for the use of authorized persons and activity only, and activity may be subject to monitoring, recording, and periodical audits. Library equipment may not be used to harass others or for any illegal activity.

Anyone using Library computer systems expressly consents to the above and to all Hartford Public Library policies and rules.

User Guidelines

• Choosing Sources

  The Internet offers a wealth of educational, recreational and cultural information that vastly increases the resources available to the Library's users. It is the user's responsibility to choose which resources to access. Be aware that the Internet is unregulated and materials accessible through it may be inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, biased, inappropriate, or offensive. Since the Library has no control over the content, individuals use it at their own risk. We caution users to access and evaluate materials online as they would a printed source.

• Courtesy to Others

  Individuals should use the Internet in a courteous, reasonable, and responsible manner. If you are using the Library's terminals, please limit your use if others are waiting. Users may not use library terminals for viewing sites that are inappropriate in a public setting or that create a disturbance.

• Assistance from Staff

  Library staff will assist individuals in the use of the Library's Homepage and offer basic instruction in the use of sites directly linked to the Library's homepage.
  Staff cannot assist users in searching through the many other sites available via the Internet. Internet users should have a minimal level of computer experience and be able to use a mouse.

• Printing

  Printing must be completed within any posted time limits. Effective February 1, 2010, the Library must limit the number of free computer prints to 2 per day.  There is a 10¢ charge for each additional sheet of paper used for printing.

Warnings & Restrictions

• Confidentiality and Privacy —  The Library does NOT guarantee that any username, password, email, credit card number, financial, or any other information entered is private or secure. We recommend you do NOT use public workstations for any financial, confidential, or private transaction.
• Users may not view sites that are inappropriate in a public setting or that create a disturbance.
• The Library complies with filtering requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) throughout the system.
• The user agrees to hold the Library harmless from any claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities relating to the use of library computer, network, or other equipment, or to the use of information obtained from the Library's electronic information system.
• The Library does not maintain email accounts for users.
• At its discretion, the Library Administration reserves the right to deny minors use of the Internet when unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the reproduction, distribution, adaptation, public performance, and public display of copyrighted material. Responsibility for any possible copyright infringement lies solely with the user. The Library disclaims any responsibility or liability resulting thereof.
• Users may not attempt in any way to alter, damage, abuse, or sabotage computer equipment or software, alter configurations, or install any software. Damage to Hratford Public Library computers and databases or attempts to access non-public areas of the network system may result in prosecution.
• Users may not use any Library computer for illegal purposes that violate local, state, or federal laws.
• Users may not disregard time limits on the use of a Library computer while others are waiting.
• The Library does not guarantee that any particular website or electronic transaction will work, or be compatible with, library equipment.

Use our Computer Sign-up Workstation to reserve a PC.

1. Scan your library card barcode under the wand next to the monitor.
2. Click on Accept our conduct agreement.
3. If you are assigned a computer, go to it immediately.
4. Click on logon and enter your barcode number without spaces.
5. If you are placed in a queue, or waiting line, go to the queuing station.
6. Look for your first name and initial of your last name.
7. When the line with your name on it turns orange, you will see a number of the computer you should use.

Note: The last time slot of the day will end five minutes before closing to allow time to print and retrieve copies

Tech Center Frequently Asked Questions

If I don’t use my full session, can I use my minutes later?
No, you are allowed only 3 sessions per day. Partial sessions are counted the same as a full session.

Should I log off if I finish early?
Please log off if you finish early. Click on Start at the bottom left of the screen, click Shut Down then click OK.

What if I am disabled and need the special workstation?
We will still sign you up manually at the Information Services Desk for the ZoomText computer.

May I sit down and use an unreserved computer?
No. You must use the sign-in workstation at the service desk to reserve a computer. Either scan or enter the library barcode number from your library card. Do not include spaces. If your card is not in the system or you don’t have a card, please see a librarian.

What should I do if all of the computers are in use?
Please make a reservation at the Computer Sign-In Station . Hit any key to begin. Scan your library card barcode. Read and accept the agreement and make your reservation. Your reserved time will be listed on the Queuing Station.

What is a Queuing Station?
It is a monitor that displays your first name and first initial of your last name and a number and the approximate time that is reserved for you.

Why does my name have a number after it?
The computer assigns a number to each name as it is used. If you are the seventh person with the name JohnD to use the computer, your name will be JohnD7 every time you use the Library computers.

How long do I have to log on once it is my turn?
You will have 5 minutes to log on. You will miss your turn after 5 minutes.

What happens if I miss my turn?
You will have to sign up again and go to the end of the line.

Why can’t I sign in?
You may have a library card from another circulation system, or your card may have expired, or you might owe more than $25 in fines. Please ask a librarian how to renew/obtain a new library card.

Why can’t I log on when I sit down?
The computer was reserved by someone else. Please check the queue station number that appears.

When do my minutes start counting?
As soon as you enter your barcode and click ok or press enter your time will begin.

Why do the computers shut down five minutes before closing?
This allows time for you to make your last prints before the library is closed.

If you are waiting for a computer, check the Queuing Station for approximate time of use. Please check frequently so that you don’t miss your turn. As people leave early, your time will be bumped forward.

WiFi Access at the Library

Hardware Requirements

• You will need a laptop with built-in WiFi capability
• or a WiFi-compliant 802.11b or 802.11g wireless Ethernet device installed in your laptop.

You will need the following information to use this at the Albany, Barbour, Blue Hills, Central, Goodwin and Ropkins Branches:

• SSID/Wireless Network Name: hplpublic
• WEP/or Encryption: NONE
• Network Type: Infrastructure IP and DNS Assigned Automatically by DHCP

Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 will allow you to make these changes with no additional software.
Mac OS X also requires no additional software. If you are using any other operating system, such as Windows 9x, Me, 2000, or NT, you will need to use the configuration program that came with your wireless card.

SETTING UP WINDOWS XP

1. Click Start, then Control Panel. In the Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections.  On the following screen, click Network Connections.

2. Right-click your Wireless connection icon and click on Properties.

3. Click on the Wireless Networks tab. Be sure that there is a checkmark on the option to use Windows to configure my wireless network settings.

4. With hplpublic selected in the list of Available networks, click on the Configure button.
The Network name (SSID) needs to be set to hplpublic and Wireless network key (WEP) should be disabled.

5. Click on the Authentication tab. All settings should be entirely disabled.

WIRELESS CARD SETTINGS:

1. Click OK to return to the main Properties Screen.
2. Select the General tab and then click the Configure button.
3. Click the Advanced tab. For the following three Properties, select the following Values:
4. Encryption = Disabled
5. Network Type = Assigned Automatically by DHCP
6. SSID = hplpublic
7. Click OK and then OK again.

You will need the following information to use at the Albany, Barbour, Blue Hills, Central, Goodwin and Ropkins Branches:

• SSID/Wireless Network Name: hplpublic
• WEP/or Encryption: NONE
• Network Type: Infrastructure IP and DNS Assigned Automatically by DHCP

SETTING UP WINDOWS 2000

1. Click Start, then Settings, then Network and Dial-up Connections.
2. Right-click your Wireless connection icon and click on Properties.
3. On the General tab, click the Configure button.
4. Click the Advanced tab. For the following three Properties, select the following Values:
   • Encryption = Disabled
   • Network Type = Assigned Automatically by DHCP
   • SSID = hplpublic
   • Click OK and then OK again.
   • After making changes, you may need to remove and reinsert your Laptop's Wireless Card.

SETTING UP MAC OSX

1. First, click Apple, then System Preferences.
2. Then click the Network icon.
3. Next to Location, click the down-arrow and select New Location.
4. Name the New Location hplpublic Wireless and click OK.
5. Next to Show, click the down-arrow and select Network Port Configurations. Leave the checkmark in front AirPort. Remove all other checkmarks such as Internal Modem or Ethernet.
6. 6. Next to Show, click the down-arrow and select AirPort. There will be 4 blank tabs.
7. Click on the TCP/IP tab.
8. Next to Configure, click the down-arrow and select Using DHCP.
9. Leave the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Router alone.
10. Click on the AirPort tab.
11. Choose ‘Join a specific network’ and select hplpublic from the drop-down menu.
12. Checkmark the option to Show AirPort status in menu bar.
13. Click OK.