Netloan FAQs

What is Netloan?
Netloan is a PC booking system which will ensure fair and equal access to the library's People's Network computers. Customers will be able to log straight onto an available computer, or book in advance. It is also a print management system which will help to cut down on the amount of wasted paper in libraries.

How do I book a computer?

• Online
  Library members can  reserve a computer online from any computer with internet access. You will need your card number and pincode. Remember to make a note of the computer number you have booked.
• Direct log on to a computer (drop-in basis)
  You can walk up to any available computer and log on as long as no-one has pre-booked that computer. The login screen will show if the computer is available or not: if it is available it will display the 'available until...' time. Please note that this option isn't available to some children and visitors.
• Staff can reserve a session on your behalf, in person or by telephone
  You can ask a member of staff to make a booking on your behalf. You will need your library card number.
• Self-service Kiosk
  You can use the self-service kiosk at the Central Library to book a computer in the IT Centre, especially during busy times.
• You can book a computer up to 6 days in advance.

How long can I book a computer for?
All our customers have been placed into age-based user groups with the following time allowances:

• Adults (18+) and Older Teens (15 - 17) can use the computers for a maximum of 180 minutes a day.
• Younger Teens (11 - 14) and Older Children (8 - 10) can use the computers for a maximum of 120 minutes a day.
• Young Children (0 - 7) can use the computers for a maximum of 90 minutes a day.

You can divide your usage allowance into a mixture of 30 minutes or 60 minute sessions. Netloan will automatically add up your total usage until the maximum amount has been reached.

Are there any other restrictions?
The user groups control things like internet filtering, printing charges and how a customer can access the computers in certain libraries. There may also be some minor variations between certain library sites. For instance, adults and older teens will not be able to use a computer in the Central Children's Library. 

I'm not a member of the library. Can I still use the computers?
Yes you can. Please see a member of staff who will make the booking for you and log you onto a computer.

What happens when I turn up for my booking?
If you know which computer you have booked, you can go straight to it. If you can't remember which computer you have booked, please ask a member of staff. Your name will be displayed on the screen as soon as it is possbible for you to log on with your card number and pincode.

What will happen if I arrive late for my booked session?
Once booked, a computer will not be available for other customers to use. The computer will remain booked for up to 10 minutes beyond the session start time. After that, your booking is automatically cancelled and will be available to other users.

Can I cancel a booking at any time?
Yes, you can cancel the booking yourself form any computer or contact the library. If you are doing it online, you can view a list of all the bookings you have made and select the booking you wish to cancel. You will then get the option to delete the booking using the Edit Booking Box. You will only be able to delete or edit your own bookings.

What happens when I want to print?
Go to File > Print and select the correct printer from the drop down list. An on-screen message will display how many pages will be printed and the cost. If you want to continue with the print job click OK before collecting and paying for your printing. All printing must be paid for when you collect it.

Printing Charges are as follows:

• Adults (including visitors):
  Black & White: 10p per sheet
  Colour: 30p per sheet
• Concessions (under 18s, Pensioners and Rothercard):
  Black & White: 5p per sheet
  Colour: 20p per sheet

In the Central Library you can pay for and release your own printing from the Self Service Kiosk.

Will I be able to extend my sessions if I run out of time?
If there is a free computer and you still have time left from your allowance, you will be able to log in again after you have booked.  However, please note that young people will have to a 30 minute break between IT sessions.  This rule is also in force for adults in our busier sites, including the Central Library.

What happens at the end of the session?
10 minutes before the end of your session (and again at 2 minutes) you will be warned that your session is nearly at an end. You should print and/or save your work as soon as you receive your first warning. The session will log off automatically at the end of your booked time, and all details of your session will be erased. If your session is the last one of the day, your session will end 15 minutes before the library closes.

What if I finish early?
Right click on the timer in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Select end session and log off. The computer will log you out and all details of your session will be erased.