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Children's and Teen Services (CATS) Computer Lab

The Longmont Public Library Children's and Teen Services (CATS) Computer Lab provides filtered access through WebSense to the Internet, a wide variety of software, including word processing software (Microsoft Word), Publisher, Power Point, and CD-ROM software for all ages. Please review the Internet and Computer Use Policy (Adobe .pdf file, 86kb) for guidelines in this lab and for information about other computers in the library. For questions regarding the CATS Computer Lab, please call 303-651-8477.

• When are the computers available?
• How do I sign up to use the CATS Computer Lab?
• Who are the computers for?
• What computer activities are permitted?
• What are the rules in the CATS Computer Lab?
• Filtering Program
• Are there Time Limits?
• What Type of Computers Are Available?
• Do you have computers for Pre-school or Elementary Age Children?
• Assistance and Training

 

When are the computers available?

During the School Year (Labor Day to Memorial Day)
Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

During the Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday

How do I sign up to use the CATS Computer Lab?

Sign up is through the automated PC Reservation system. Children and teens must have a library card to use the computers. Only cards issued to patrons under the age of 18 will work in the CATS lab.

To use an available computer, type in your 14-digit library card number as indicated on the computer screen. If all computers are in use, please let staff know. You must be in the library to sign up for a PC in the children and teen lab; the CATS staff does not take advance reservations.

Who are the computers for?

• The computers are for preschool ages through age 17.
• All children age 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
• No parental permission is required to use this area.
• Adults (age 18 and over) may use this lab under the following conditions:

  (1) if they are working with their child on a project at the computer or

  (2) adults need access to a computer, but are accompanied by children under age 8 who are apt to cause a disturbance if in the adult computer lab.

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What computer activities are permitted?

• Word processing
• Printing - all prints must be paid for using cash and the print management software. The cost is 10 cents per page.
• Internet searching (WebSense) blocks many inappropriate sites, but due to rapid changes on the Internet and the limitations of the filtering software, some inappropriate sites are not blocked immediately upon coming up on the Internet. (WebSense does not replace parental judgment as to what is appropriate for a particular child.)
• Use of software selected and installed by the librarians on the hard drive
• Web-based e-mail.
• Downloading to disk is permitted; formatted disks are available for sale at the Children's and Teen Services Desk for $1.00.
• Games are allowed on a limited basis, dependent upon circumstances and at the discretion of the librarian on duty.

What are the rules in the CATS Computer Lab?

• One hour time limit per day
• Children age 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult (age 18 or older) in order to use a computer in the lab.
• Chatting is not allowed.
• Inappropriate behaviors, such as rude language, violent games, loud voices, and excessive physical contact, will not be tolerated.

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Filtering Program

WebSense blocks many inappropriate sites, but due to rapid changes on the Internet and the limitations of the filtering software, some inappropriate sites are not blocked immediately upon coming up on the Internet. WebSense does not replace parental judgment as to what is appropriate for a particular child.

Are there Time Limits?

In the CATS Computer Lab the time limit is 1 hour per day. If the CATS Lab is not busy and no one is waiting for a computer, an individual may extend their time to a total of 2 hours per day.

What Type of Computers Are Available?

• 12 IBM-compatible computers that have access to the Internet, word processing, and some CD-ROM software programs for children of all ages.
• The IBM-compatible computers are networked to 1 black & white laser printer.
• Headphones are available on all computers.

Do you have computers for Pre-school or Elementary Age Children?

Three additional computers are available in the children's area with pre-loaded software for preschool and elementary age children. These computers are equipped with headphones. These computers do not require sign-up and a library card is not needed to access them. The time limit on these computers is 30 minutes per day.

Assistance and Training

Library staff will provide informal assistance (10-15 minutes) to individuals unfamiliar with the Internet or word processing. Classes and groups may arrange for formal instruction in Internet safety by contacting the Children's and Teen Services Desk at 303-651-8477

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Updated 6/23/10