CybraryN™ Computer Reservation System

Electronic Computer Reservations

Fresno County Public Library offers to its users free computer use. In order to better manage this very popular resource, the library will begin using the CybraryN™ electronic computer reservation system at all of its branches in 2005. The new system allows library users with valid library cards to reserve a computer without waiting for assistance from staff and it automatically times their sessions.

How Will You Be Affected?

• You will need a valid library card and PIN to use a public computer. Any resident of Fresno County may get a library card. You may use a card from any library in the San Joaquin Valley Library System to make a computer reservation.
• To provide equal opportunity for all residents to use library computers, you are allowed up to two hours of computer use per day. In locations with fewer computers, total daily use may be limited to less than two hours. Every location provides 30-minute sessions, although larger locations may also have 60-minute sessions and/or a 15-minute express station for short transactions such as printing a document or checking email.
• Computer reservations may be made in person or by phone up to one day in advance.
• Late arrivals will be allowed a six-minute grace period before their reservation is cancelled.
• Guest passes for computer access will be issued to visitors to the area and are intended to be for a single use only.
• A reservation will not be needed to use computers dedicated to searching the library catalog.

All computer users must comply with Fresno County Public Library’s Internet Policy and Guidelines for Use.

Why Is This New System Being Implemented?

Fresno County Public Library has experienced a tremendous growth in computer usage over the last five years. While it would be nice to give everyone as much time as they desire, computers (like all other library resources) must be shared with other library users. The new electronic computer reservation system will help the library allocate this limited resource fairly among all its users. The new system also frees staff to spend more time helping library users find the information they need – whether it be in a book or in an online database. The system will also provide the library with accurate statistics on computer usage to help plan for future needs.

What About Privacy?

The Fresno County Public Library is committed to protecting the privacy of the customers and staff of the library as outlined in its privacy policy. In order to provide equitable access to public computers, the library requires all users to sign up for computer sessions. This software will not track web site visits or record your Internet activity. It acts only as a statistical and registration tool. At public computers, all documents created, Internet search histories, temporary files, cache, and certificates are purged upon closing of the browser and/or daily rebooting of the PC's. While the library takes measures to ensure the privacy of public computer users, it cannot guarantee that every task completed is private.