The library  provides free computer access including Internet, Microsoft Word/Excel/Powerpoint, and wireless printing.  It doesn't matter if you don't have access at home or if you're on the road and just need a place to link up: check us out!

1. Public computers within all branches of the Baltimore County Public library, excluding those computers designated as Catalog Only computers, have only the following software installed:
   Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
    

2. Customers can view PDF files via Internet Explorer, but they will not be able to view email attachments.
    

3. Customers having web-based email such as WebMail, Hotmail, Yahoo, or any other web-based email account may send and receive email using the public computers, but they will not be able to view or download any file attachments other than PDF files.
    

4.  BCPL allows the use of USB storage devices in its public computers to save or retrieve information. Please note that this is the only direct method for saving files as the CD and floppy drives on all public computers have been disabled and there is no mechanism for the saving of files to floppy disk or to CD. USB storage devices should not require device drivers or special software to be installed for use with Windows XP. Connecting other types of devices to the computer using the USB ports is not recommended. The library is not responsible for technical support required by the use of the devices or any damage, loss or destruction of personal devices connected by customers.  Please note that the library does sell USB drives at each agency for at need purchase. 
    

5. BCPL allows the use of USB storage devices in its public computers to save or retrieve information (USB storage devices should not require device drivers or special software to be installed for use with Windows XP). Connecting other types of devices to the computer using the USB ports is not recommended. The library is not responsible for technical support required by the use of the devices or any damage, loss or destruction of personal devices connected by customers.
    

6. Public computers do not have speakers, but customers may use their own headphones.
    

7. You can print from signup computers and from your wireless devices on our network in the library although there is a fee for printouts. Printing is only available on standard white computer paper but is now available in color as well as in black & white.  Please consult our fax/photocopying/printing guidelines since printout charges vary between the two formats.  You may print files directly from applications on the computer station or from personal USB thumb drives accessed via the computer.   All print jobs are sent to a central computer printout station where payment is rendered prior to being printed.  Customers may not use their own paper.
    

8. Customers using public computer stations at Baltimore County Public Library are strongly encouraged to obtain a Baltimore County Public Library card. Register for a library card at the Circulation Desks of any of our branches. Valid identification is needed for registration. A library card will provide quick access to computers and may eliminate some time waiting for available stations.
    

9. Customers with library cards should register for a computer at the Computer Sign-Up station. Directions for sign up are posted at this computer. Customers may only use their own library card barcode number and must enter the barcode number and a name in the designated spaces. A nickname or initials is appropriate if there are privacy concerns.
    

10. When a computer is assigned to a customer he/she has 5 minutes to revalidate at the assigned computer with his/her barcode. If a customer does not revalidate within the time limit, the computer will automatically be reassigned to the next person waiting.
     

11. All computer sessions last 45 minutes and will be extended only if there is no waiting list.
     

12. Customers must relinquish computers after a 45 minute session if there is a waiting list. The computer will automatically end the session. A warning will be given before the end of the session.
     

13. Customers are allowed up to four 45-minute computer sessions per day or a total of 180 minutes per day.
     

14. One-time users of BCPL public computers may register as guests. All guests must present valid identification including a driver's license, student identification card, passport, or other picture identification to a library staff member. Instead of a barcode number, customers registered as guests may use the month, day and year of their birth.
     

15. Customers already registered as a library card holder with Baltimore County Public Library but who do not have their library card with them to sign-up for a computer must present valid identification to a library staff member who will look up their library card number. In order to protect library records and the privacy of BCPL customers, the information in our database must match the identification presented. Customers that need to update information such as address or name will need to reregister for a library card.
     

16. Customers with fines greater than $50 must pay 10% of those fines in order to use a public computer.
     

17. Students age 8 through 18 are strongly encouraged to obtain BCPL library cards. Students who do not have a library card may sign up as a guest using the identification of a parent, school ID, bus card, or other appropriate verification of name.
     

18. Children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult when using computers in any Baltimore County Public Library.
     

19. All customers using public computer stations must agree to abide by the Baltimore County Public Library's Internet Acceptable Use Statement.

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All branches of the Baltimore County Public Library offer free wireless Internet access to library users with personal wireless-enabled devices such as laptop computers, PDAs and cell phones so that you can connect to the Web or use the library's online resources -including our free premium databases- without having to wait for one of the library's computers to become available.  Wireless printing in black & white and color is also available to users of laptop computers running Windows operating systems.

Your use of the BCPL wireless network implies acceptance of the terms of services  explained below.

Configuring and Connecting Your Laptop or Wireless Device:

If your laptop or other wi-fi device uses a removable wireless card, make sure it is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.  Depending on what type of wi-fi device you have, how recent it is, and how you have it configured, it may be able to connect to the BCPL wireless network automatically.  If it does not, use your device's wi-fi setup software to configure the following:

• Network Name (SSID): BCPL-PUBLIC-WIFI
• Network Mode: Infrastructure
• WEP: Disabled
• TCP/IP or Network Settings: DHCP enabled (sometimes called "Obtain IP address automatically")
• DNS: Automatic
• Gateway: Automatic

Your wireless setup software may not require all of the above. You are responsible for understanding how to configure your own wireless device. Because there are many different types of wireless devices requiring many different configuration methods, library staff are not able to assist you with the configuration of your wi-fi device.

To Use BCPL's Wireless Access and/or Printing:

Once you have successfully connected to BCPL's free public wireless network, launch an Internet browser from your computer. 

You should be directed to the Library's Acceptible Use Statement page and you must accept this statement in order to use the Library's wireless services.

Should you want to print, simply follow the onscreen instructions and you will be directed to a link which will download software specific to your branch and that enables you to direct your printouts to that branch's pay black & white ($ .15 per page) or color printers ($ .30 per page) through your computer's print drivers. These "virtual printer drivers" will automatically disappear and self delete once you are disconnected from BCPL's network.  Please note that wireless printing is only available for Windows devices at this time.

Terms of Service

Use of the Baltimore County Public Library wireless network implies understanding of and agreement by you to be bound by the terms of the BCPL Internet Acceptable Use Statement. Please read it before using the service. Failure to comply with the BCPL Internet Acceptable Use Statement can lead to suspension of library privileges and/or prosecution.

In addition, use of the BCPL wireless network implies understanding of and agreement with the following:

• The BCPL wireless network is compatible with wireless devices using the 802.11b and/or 802.11g wireless standards. This includes the vast majority of wireless-enabled devices sold in recent years. If your wireless device uses a different standard, such as 802.11a, it cannot connect to the BCPL wireless network. You are responsible for verifying compatibility of your equipment with the BCPL wireless network.

• BCPL does not guarantee that you will have wireless access at any specific BCPL facility at any specific time or with any specific equipment. Service disruptions may occur, and some wireless equipment may not be compatible with the BCPL wireless network.

• Library staff are not able to provide technical assistance with your wireless device, with your connection to the BCPL wireless network, or with your connection from that network to the Internet. As a user of the BCPL wireless network you are responsible for correctly configuring your own wireless equipment. Basic instructions are provided above.

• You are accessing the Internet via a public network. BCPL cannot guarantee the privacy of information you transfer over that network or over the Internet.

• Virus protection and the security of information stored on or transmitted by your wireless device is your responsibility.

• BCPL assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of a customer's equipment, software, data or other personal property brought into or used within BCPL facilities.

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