Computers & Wireless

Computers at BPL | Wireless Internet | Tommy Douglas computer lab | Assistive technology | Computer classes | Internet policy

Computers at BPL

There are a total of 82 public Internet workstations available for a variety of uses at the four branches of Burnaby Public Library. Six additional workstations are available for accessing the library's database collection: three at Bob Prittie Metrotown, and three at McGill. Wireless Internet is also available at all four branches. All of the Internet terminals for adults are running Windows XP, have Microsoft Office 2003 installed, and have DVD/CD-RW drives and USB ports.

The children's terminals at Tommy Douglas have Microsoft Office 2003 installed. All other children's terminals are for Internet use only. Internet access on all children's workstations is filtered using Netop web filtering software.

Each branch of Burnaby Pubic Library also has a number of computers that are reserved for searching the library catalogue: 19 at Bob Prittie Metrotown, four at Cameron, 12 at McGill, and eight at Tommy Douglas.

Computer and internet access at BPL is made possible in part by Industry Canada's Community Access Program.

Bob Prittie Metrotown

Cameron

McGill

Tommy Douglas

Wireless Internet

Wireless internet access is available at all branches of Burnaby Public Library. The service is available from the time the library opens until five minutes before closing. There are no time limits for users. In order to connect to our wireless network, you will need:

• A valid BPL card or a library card from another public library in BC that has been registered at BPL. Guest passes are available from the second floor reference desk for visitors from out of town with valid ID.
• A wireless network interface card, 802.11b or g. This must be set up and enabled.
• A TCP/IP protocol installed and set up to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP).
• A charged battery. Some receptacles are available, but we cannot supply power for all laptop users.

In many instances, wireless devices will automatically detect the library’s wireless gateway and configure themselves to use the system.

If your device does not connect right away, please try the following:

• Double-click on the wireless icon in the lower right corner of your task bar. Click the box to allow you to connect to "Burnaby Public Library - MT" and click the connect button. (It may connect automatically.)
• Open a browser. You should see a popup "security alert" window asking if you want to proceed. Click yes.
• You will then see the Burnaby Public Library wireless network terms of use agreement. Read it and if you agree, enter your library barcode number and PIN in the space provided.

Can't Connect? See our troubleshooting guide.

Limitations and disclaimers:

• The library's wireless network, like most public Wi-Fi, is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within 300 feet. Only the initial login with your library card is encrypted. Take appropriate precautions when using any public wireless network. (Eg, see How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi Networks or similar articles.)
• Library staff members are not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
• Printing is not available using the wireless network.
• BPL assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security or data files resulting from connection to the library's network.
• Wi-fi networks signal strength can vary. Ask at the second floor reference desk for the location of the access points.

Tommy Douglas computer lab

Twelve of the public Internet terminals at Tommy Douglas are located in the Tommy Douglas computer lab. Like the other workstations, these PCs have Microsoft Office 2003 and have DVD/CD-RW drives and USB ports.

There is no charge for use of the lab, except for printing. There is a lab attendant on duty to assist patrons during the following hours:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 4pm to 9pm
Thursdays and Saturdays 12pm to 5pm

The Tommy Douglas computer lab was made possible by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Industry Canada's Community Access Program and a Province of BC Community Spirit grant.

Assistive technology

The Bob Prittie Metrotown branch of the Burnaby Public Library has an adaptive technology terminal dedicated for use by patrons with disabilities. The workstation has special software installed, including ZoomText (a screen magnifier), NVDA (a screen reader) and On-Screen Keyboard (a virtual keyboard). The terminal may be booked for 45 minutes by patrons with disabilities. Please call 604-436-5400 to make a booking or to ask any questions.

The Bob Prittie Metrotown branch also has a low-vision reader located on the second floor. The reader magnifies pages onto an adjustable 19-inch LCD monitor, with magnification from 2.4x to 77x. Pages can be displayed in full colour, black and white, and a variety of dual-colour modes.

Computer classes

Burnaby Public Library offers classes for adults new to computers and the Internet. Past classes have included instruction on using computers, searching the Internet, word processing and email setup. Classes are held in the computer lab at Tommy Douglas. Search for classes now.

Internet policy

The numbers below refer to sections of the Burnaby Public Library Board Policy Manual.

3.3 INTERNET POLICY

3.3.1 General

Burnaby Public Library provides access to the Internet as part of its mandate to meet the self-defined needs of its users. (Amended September 21, 2000.)

In accord with the Statement on Intellectual Freedom, the library does not control, and assumes no responsibility for, information accessed on the Internet. Library users are responsible for the sites they visit and any text or images they print. As is the case with materials in the library collection, any restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. (Amended September 21, 2000.)

The library will not filter Internet workstations in the adult areas of the library.

Internet workstations in children’s departments will have a commercial content filter which will allow parents and children to use workstations with controlled access. This policy is consistent with the book and materials collection policy which stresses children’s collections be appropriate for the age and interests of children. It recognizes community expectations that the children’s department will provide content and services suitable for children. (Amended August 2, 2001.)

The library provides access to manuals and other information on using the Internet and recommended sites. Library staff may provide limited individual training on Internet use as time permits.

The library reserves the right to restrict users access to Internet workstations when they have made inappropriate use of them. (Adopted February, 20, 1997.)

3.3.2 Restrictions on access

The library will restrict user access to Internet workstations when users consciously bypass library procedures or use library workstations for illegal or mischievous purposes. In every instance where a borrower is barred from entering library premises for a period of more than one day, a block will be placed on their using Internet workstations. (Revised January 16, 2003.)

Procedural infractions

The following incremental steps will be followed when users attempt to bypass library procedures for using Internet workstations. These steps will be applied in instances such as when users try to consciously bypass limits on the number of Internet sessions permitted per day by using fake ID and ignoring posted time restrictions on length of sessions. Such actions by patrons limit access to this service for other users.

First instance

A patron found bypassing use restrictions will be warned by the staff member in charge of the department at the time that further instances of this behaviour will result in their being denied Internet privileges for 30 days.

Second instance

The staff member in charge of the department is authorized to suspend Internet privileges for 30 days and will warn the user that any further occurrence will result in a 90-day ban from Internet access.

Third instance

The staff member in charge of the department is authorized to suspend Internet privileges for 90 days and will warn the user that any further occurrence will result in a one week ban from library premises.

Fourth and subsequent instances

A one week ban from library premises will be imposed following board policy with subsequent instances resulting in more lengthy bans in increments of one week.

Mischievous or illegal activity

When staff have reasonable grounds to believe that illegal activity may have occurred on an Internet workstation and staff have identified the patron, the police will be notified and the chief librarian will report to the library board with a recommendation for further action. In such instances, the patron will be barred from using Internet workstations until the board has reviewed the case. Such activity includes sending threatening emails, accessing and displaying illegal content and engaging in Internet fraud and hacking.

When a user engages in mischievous and otherwise inappropriate activities on Internet workstations, the user will be barred from accessing Internet services until the matter can be reviewed with the chief librarian or designate. This would include actions such as tampering with workstations or server settings or harassing staff or other members of the public by consciously displaying inappropriate content. (Approved November 11, 2002.)