Computer and internet services

All 36 libraries have computers for public use - this is called the Peoples Network. Information Direct is the name of Northamptonshire Libraries and Information Service's electronic library services. The smallest has two and the largest nearly 50. All have broadband internet access. You do not need to be a member of the library to use the computers. 

e-Library service:

• free access to hundreds of thousands of information, learning and reading websites via the Information Direct Subject Gateways covering a huge range of subjects including business, family history, government, health, jobs, news and travel. We also provide free subject gateways specially designed for children (5-11yrs) and under 5s
• free use at all times for 
  • sites for online banking, worldwide newspapers in many languages, jobs, information, learning, hobbies and more
  • the excellent online information services purchased by the Libraries and Information Service - available only to library users and members
• free use of Northamptonshire County Council and local councils' websites and the Connect2Northamptonshire Community information portal
• libraries with more than 8 computers ensure that at least 2 computers are always available for this service

PC Plus service:

• hire a computer for only £1.00 for up to 20 minutes (minimum charge £1.00)
• for access to:
  • chat
  • email
  • internet searching
  • printing from floppy disk and memory stick
  • word processing applications (OFFICE XP - Word, Access, Excel, Powerpoint)
  • scanning
• no concessions and no refunds for unused time. Payment is in advance for the time you think you will need. Staff will log you on 

Internet use policy

• we currently use a well established proprietary filter called Blue Coat. The filter helps us manage IT network security issues and the needs of users and the public service 
• we do not have the resources to consider every website and the filter automatically checks web addresses against its category lists. These reflect our policies for internet access and for providing printed and other resources
• though the filter generally works well, no filter is perfect
• we expect library users to moderate their own use of the service and require each user to agree to an on screen Internet User policy
• where there is a query about a website and the filter, we will look at the website using our stock selection policies and amend the filter as required on a case by case basis

Printing from the computers

• each library has a networked laser colour printer. Printouts cost 15p for black and white and 30p for colour per A4 sheet 
• printouts from our Library Catalogue and the County Council web site are free
• only library paper may be used in our printers 
• access to the printer is through the Peoples Network computers
• please note staff do not print on behalf of members of the public

Saving electronic information

• you can temporarily store documents on the public library computers - on the desktop. You must delete your document when you leave the computer. You are responsible for your documents - if you leave them on the computer other computer users or staff may view and delete your documents 
• you may use floppy disks or USB memory sticks (thumb drives) to save information. Staff will explain the process. Some disks and sticks may not be compatible with our system
• we sell blank floppy disks and memory sticks

Scanning using the library computers

• each library has an HP scanner which has basic scanning and limited Optical Character Recognition capability  
• access to the scanner is through the public library computers
• please note staff do not scan on behalf of members of the public

Service charges

• the County Council sets the Libraries and Information Service an income target every year. Computer use provides a significant portion of the income target 
• we continue to maintain free access to hundreds of thousands of websites for information, education and leisure available in libraries through the Information Direct Internet Subject Gateways on the e-Library service 
• using the PC Plus service library users may hire a computer for only £1.00 for up to 20 minutes (minimum charge £1.00) to access chat, email, internet searching, printing from floppy disk and memory stick, word processing and scanning  
• the Libraries and Information Service provides concessions only for people using the At Home Library service and for people using audio books who cannot read standard (N12) print with spectacles
• The budget, including charges and income targets, is reviewed by the County Council every year in February and March. If you have suggestions to be included in this review please contact us

IT sessions

• we run beginner workshops in computers, internet, email and scanning in several libraries
• aimed at absolute beginners they will give you some basic IT skills and help you use the computer facilities in libraries
• cost: £10:00 per session
• for more details use the Learning Services link on the right hand side of this page

Online reference and information resources

• we provide several excellent online resources which library members can access from home
• for more details use the Information Services link below

For further information or to comment upon our services, please use the contact details on the right or complete our online form.

Related pages

• Hiring our computer facilities
• Information Services