Use a Computer
photo by: kendrak
The Berkeley Public Library maintains over 40 computers system-wide providing public access to the Internet as well as word processing, spreadsheet and database software (Microsoft Office.) Currently, the Library does not provide a wireless connection.
- If you're ready, you can Reserve a computer now
- Or, continue reading to find out how
Log in, Hours and Time Limits
- You must have a Berkeley Public Library card to log in to the system.
- You must know your PIN number, which is the last 4 digits of the phone number entered into your library card account.
- In order to log in to the reservation system, you must disable any pop-up blocking software running on your Web browser.
- You may choose a 15-minute, 30-minute or 1-hour computer. The 15-minute computers do not require log in with a library card.
- Computer time is available in these increments until 10 minutes prior to closing.
- Cardholders may use up to one hour of computer time each day.
- The Library has installed time-out software that tracks computer use and allows reservations.
- Staff may reserve computers for library programs.
- For further details about time limits, log in and reservations, see Frequently Asked Questions.
Privacy Policy
Library computers are in public areas. Please respect others' rights to read and view. If you are bothered by what others are viewing, Library staff will attempt to place you at a different station. However, unless a person is viewing an illegal website, or behaving in a way contrary to our policy guidelines, library staff will not interfere with another person's right to privacy. "We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted." Article 3, Code of Ethics of the American Library Association 1995
In April 2003, the Library Board of Trustees voted to support the California Library Association resolution against the Patriot Act. Download the resolution.
Adaptive Internet Workstations
Adaptive Internet workstations are available at the Central Library. Please contact Reference staff or call 510-981-6107 for more information. Berkeley Reads, the Library's adult literacy program at the West Branch Library, has an Internet workstation available for people with learning disabilities. Call 510-981-6299 to check availability.
Children
Each Library has at least one computer for the sole use of children preschool through eighth grade. As with library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.
Printing and Downloading
The Library provides paper and a networked printer, and charges 15 cents (cash) or 12 cents (card) for printing. You may not use your own paper. The system does not permit downloading software, installing software or saving files to the hard drive. The CD drives are disabled. You may save your files to a formatted 3 1/4" floppy disk or a USB flash drive. The Library sells formatted disks for 50¢.
To email from the Library, you must use a personal email account which is either web-based or available via telnet. Several sites offer free email accounts. Check the Infopeople Project for a list of these websites.
User Responsibilities
Please report equipment problems to library staff. It is illegal to physically or electronically modify computer equipment, or tamper with hardware or software (California Penal Code, Section 502 et. seq.) Deliberate misuse of the computer or its components will result in loss of computer privileges; repair costs will be the responsibility of the user. Violating another's right to privacy or harassing other users or library staff are prohibited, and will result in loss of computer use privileges. The Library is not responsible for any loss or corruption of data or files resulting from use of public computers.