Kitchener Public Library Is Now Introducing Computer Time-Out and Booking Software From NetLoan In a continuing effort to maximize access to our limited, but popular Internet computers, we will be introducing special time-out and booking software from NetLoan on all our Internet-enabled computers beginning March 7, 2005.

In order to use Internet-enabled computers in the Library, users will need to log on using their KPL library card number and PIN. The system will record your information and the time you started using the computer. All card holders have 2 hours of computer time assigned to their library card each day (1 hour on Sundays). Customers will automatically be alerted by the system once their allotted time is completed. Customers Please Note: The only information the system collects is your library card number and the amount of computer time you have used. No information is collected with regard to the Internet sites you may have visited. For customers who are not eligible for a free Kitchener Public Library card, Guest Cards will be available free of charge. These guest cards will only permit access to our Internet computers and will not be valid for borrowing library materials. Our new NetLoan system will be phased in over the next few months. Effective March 7, all computers in the Main Library Computer Centre will be using NetLoan. The Main Library Homework Centre will be added on April 4th, followed by our Community Libraries. Full implementation should be completed by June 2005. If you have any questions about our new Time-Out computer procedures, or suggestions on how we can improve Internet access at KPL, please speak to a staff member, or use our online comments form, located on our library catalogue.

In February 2001, a new Computer Centre was opened at the Main Branch of the Kitchener Public Library. Funding for twelve PCs was received from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Industry Canada's Community Access Program. As well, each Community Library has one PC available for public use.

Each computer has the following software installed:
Windows XP; Word XP; Excel XP; PowerPoint XP; Publisher 2000.

As well, each PC has Internet Explorer 6.0 - filtered Internet access.

Customers may sign up for a maximum of two hours, Monday to Saturday, and a maximum of one hour on Sundays. A sign-up kiosk is located opposite the Level 2 Information Desk. Telephone booking is also available by calling 743-7502, for the same day or up to two days in advance.  Remote booking may be done from this page: http://www.kpl.org/netloan/index.htm

Customers who wish to save their work may bring in their own disk or may purchase a disk from the library.

Printing is available for 15 cents per page.

Volunteers are available to give basic instructions in the use of the Internet, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. Check with the staff at the Level 2 Information Desk for more details about the volunteer sessions.

For more information, call 743-7502.