Technology

Public Computers & WiFi

Public Computer Usage 

Peru Public Library offers users free computer access from our 14  public computers, 12 on the main floor and 2 in the children’s room.Patrons may use a public computer for one hour, up to 3 hours per day.

In order to schedule computer access for the main floor computers, the library utilizes PC Reservation computer reservation system.  This system allows library patrons and guests with valid public library cards or guest cards to reserve a computer without waiting for assistance from staff. It automatically times their sessions and checks to make sure a patron is able to use computers according to the Peru Public Library Public Computer Use Agreement.

• You may use a card from any library in the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) to make a reservation.  Patrons MUST bring their library card to make their reservation,  staff is unable to provide this number to the patron.
• To provide equal opportunity for all residents to use library computers, you are allowed up to one hour of computer use at a time.  If nobody is waiting, you will be given the option of extra time. A maximum of three hours is allowed per day.
• Late arrivals will be allowed a 10-minute grace period before their reservation is cancelled, and reservations that aren’t cancelled ahead of time will count toward the three hour daily limit.
• ·Guest passes for computer access will be issued to visitors to the area and are intended to be for a single use only. Identification will need to be shown to verify address.
• A reservation will not be needed to use computers dedicated to searching the library catalog.
• All computer users must comply with the Peru Public Library Public Computer Use Agreement.

What is available on the Public Computers?

Computers with Internet access and the Microsoft Office Suite are available to the public at no charge. The library has 12 computers in the adult library, and 2 computers in the children’s room with the Microsoft operating system Windows 7.  Software includes Microsoft Office 2010 Professional including Word, Power Point, Access, Excel and Publisher.

Patrons under 18 must have a parent’s signature allowing them to use the library’s computers.

One hour time slots are allotted. Prints are 20 cents per page. Color prints are 50 cents per half page and $1.00 for a full page.

What About Privacy?

The Peru Public Library is committed to protecting the privacy of the customers and staff of the library. In order to provide equitable access to public computers, the library requires all users to sign up for computer sessions. Our scheduling software (PC Reservation) 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.

Wireless Internet

The Peru Public Library offers WiFi access to patrons with WiFi enabled equipment. Library users can use their wireless laptop computers to get Internet access at any table or chair in the library and are not limited to the normal computer areas of the library.

Wireless access is available on both floors of the library, and electrical outlets for power are available at several tables in the adult library and also in our three study rooms.

If you need to print, please save the work to disk, then login to a public computer workstation and send print jobs to a printer.

                                                                                  
How do I use wireless at the library?       

The Peru Public Library uses the WiFi standard (also known as IEEE 802.11g or 802.11b). You will need to bring your own laptop computer or WiFi enabled equipment to the library. It will need to have built-in WiFi or you will need to install a WiFi network card.

Most WiFi equipment will be compatible. However, the library can make no guarantees as to compatibility of your equipment with the library’s network.

Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?

No, the library’s network is open to all visitors.

No special encryption settings, user names, nor passwords are required.

Can the library help me configure my computer?

Sorry, everyone’s computer is different and you are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment.

Some helpful tips are included on this page.

The Peru Public Library cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer’s settings.

If you need additional assistance, you may need to contact the manufacturers of your hardware or software.

General Information for all systems

NOTE: The following instructions are general guidelines and require that you understand how to configure and restore the settings of your own computer. It is best to try to use the Internet before attempting any of the changes suggested on this page.

Wireless Card Settings:

Use the software that came with your wireless card or computer to configure the settings and to verify a connection to the library’s wireless network.

SSID = PERU-WIFI

Mode or Network Type = Access Point or Infrastructure

Network Properties = DHCP

WEP = Disable WEP encryption