Fletcher Free Library
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Welcome to the Fletcher Free Library Computer Center!

A Little History.
Over the last 3 years, we have been busy building one of Burlington’s finest public computer access centers.  With donations and help from IBM of Essex Junction, the Freeman Foundation, CyberSkillsVT and Team Tech, we now have twelve public computer stations.  All computers have fast access to the Internet and are fully accessible to Windows 2000 Professional, Word 2000 and Excel 2000.

Come Visit!
The Computer Center is a busy place, but noticeably quiet.  We currently serve about 4,000 computer-users per month and have reference librarians and lab monitors helping patrons throughout the day.  We have recently installed a new self-reservation software program, PCReservation, allowing patrons to sign up for a computer at a specific time on their own using the self-reservation computer.  Patrons are now allowed to sign on to the computers two times per day with a time limit of 30 minutes each time.  With the new system in place, patrons are required to have a Fletcher Free Library Card or a Computer User Card to sign on to a computer.  The Computer User Card is a new card designed for those who do not live in Burlington but would like to use the Computer Center.  This is a free card and can be obtained at the circulation desk with proper identification.  The Computer User Card does not allow patrons to check out material. See other Computer Center rules below.

Here to Help.
Providing help to new users has been a trademark with us.  Staff is frequently stretched thin, but if we have time we can help set up free web-based e-mail accounts, search for information, log into subscription based magazine and newspaper databases, and solve computer lock-ups.

Computer Classes.
Our popular computer classes are being offered again starting February 14, 2009.   Free, with a suggested donation of $3.  Pre-registration is required: Sign-up sheets are now available at the Reference Desk (865.7217).

Introduction to Windows

An overview of the operating system environment used by all Microsoft Windows software programs (Word, Internet Explorer, etc.).  Open software, use the mouse, keyboard, and Window components.

Saturdays, 10-11:30
February 14 and April 4
Beginning Internet

Learn how to use a search engine to find information on the World Wide Web.  Practice visiting various sites on the Web and learn about the different kinds of information available.

Mondays, 3-4:30
February 23 and March 16
Introduction to Word

Get acquainted with the basic elements of the Word window: toolbars, menus, and icons.  Copy and paste text and pictures; format text, paragraphs and pictures.

Saturdays, 10-11:45
February 21 and April 11
Intermediate Internet

Learn advanced searching techniques, more about browsers and blogs, how to download files and work with favorites.  Explore the many databases the library subscribes to.

Mondays, 3-4:30
March 2 & 23 and April 20
Intermediate Word

Create letters, resumes, newsletters by working with Word’s margin, tab and column features.

Saturdays, 10-11:45
March 28 and May 2
Email Basics

Set up a free email account using Google.  Learn how to open, save and send email, and store addresses.

Saturday, 10-11:45
March 21
Introduction to Excel

Learn to use an electronic spreadsheet: Columns, rows, cells, enter data, and create basic formulas.

Saturdays, 10-11:30

February 28
and
April 18
Intermediate Excel

Learn formula entry, on screen and printed page formatting, freeze pane, and simple plotting as you create a loan payment schedule.  Prerequisite: Introduction to Excel or familiarity with spreadsheet concepts, navigation, and data entry.

SaturdayS, 10-11:30
March 7 & April 25

Please read our Computer Workshop Policy Statement:

Because there is limited availability in each class, the following rules apply to all computer classes at the Fletcher Free Library:

  1. A patron is only allowed to repeat the same class 2 times within two years.  After 2 times a patron may only repeat the class at the discretion of the instructor.
  2. A patron must call the Library if they are unable to attend a class they signed up for.  If a patron misses 2 or more classes within a year they will not be permitted to take future classes without instructor approval.  If a patron calls and cancels their participation in a class it is not counted as a missed class.
  3. If, in the opinion of the instructor, a class participant's behavior in the class is detrimental to the learning environment they will not be permitted to take future classes and may be asked to leave the classroom.  This behavior may include, but is not limited to, the following: Asking inappropriate questions that are unrelated to the subject matter, taking up an inordinate amount of the instructor's time, or acting in an aggressive or hostile manner to class participants or to the instructor.

Adopted by the Library Board of Commissioners, April 11, 2007 to be put in effect September 2007.

Fletcher Free Library Computer Center Rules:

As a courtesy to your fellow computer users, the following rules will be strictly enforced:

  • All Computer Center users must read and comply with our Internet Use Policy.
  • Signing up with a barcode that belongs to another user will result in permanent loss of Library computer privileges.  Refusal to show id or give your name upon request will result in immediate termination of your computer session.
  • The Computer Center is for adults and youth in High School.  Computers in the Youth Library are available for youth in 8th grade or younger.
  • You are allowed to sign on to a computer twice a day for a maximum of 30 minutes each time you sign on.
  • Absolutely no food or drink allowed in the library.
  • Portable music devices (walkmans, etc.) are not permitted.
  • Cellular phone use is not permitted in the library.
  • A maximum of two (2) people per computer station.
  • Printing costs are 10¢ per page.
  • No viewing or downloading obscene material.
  • No unauthorized entry into another computer or introduction of viruses into any system via the Internet.
  • Damage to library equipment, data or software, disruptive behavior or failure to follow these rules will result in suspension of computer privileges.

Click Here to see our Internet Use Policy

Click Here to see our Wi-Fi Internet Access Agreement

 

 

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