Public Internet Computers

The library offers Windows 10 computers to the public for use in accessing the Internet as well as Microsoft Office software – Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher and Access.

USB DVD/CD Player/Burner and Headphones are available upon request from the Reference Desk.

Computer Use Procedures

To ensure fair and equal access for all library users, we require that you login with a VALID Northville District Library card and PIN (personal identification number). Computers are available for up to 5 hours per day.

If you do not have a library card, you may ask for a guest pass at the Reference Desk, but you must have valid identification. Guest passes are valid for 2 hours.

Please review our complete Guidelines for Public Computers and the Policy on Internet Access

Overview

12 public computers equipped with Internet Access are located on the lower level of the library.

All are equipped with adaptive features for patrons with restricted vision, and  MS Magnify and NVDA.

There are 8 library catalog workstations located on both levels for searching the library’s holdings. No Internet, word processing or printing.

Software Included on the 12 Public Internet Computers

Windows 10 Pro
Microsoft Edge
Firefox
Google Chrome
Microsoft Word 2013
Microsoft Excel 2013
Microsoft PowerPoint 2013
Microsoft Publisher 2013
Microsoft Access 2013
Minecraft
Paint.Net
GiMP
NVDA
Magnifier

We do NOT have any Apple/Mac computers available for general usage.

Public Internet Printer

To print from Public Computers, you need to put money on your library card. See more under Print Release Station and Library Payment Center.

Know Your PIN

You need to know your PIN (Personal Identification Number), a password which is attached to each library card before you can log into the computers and to print from the computers. Each library card is assigned a default PIN when issued, but we encourage you to change it to your own, unique PIN.

If you do not know your PIN, bring your library card OR photo identification and library staff can look up your PIN.

Print Release Terminal

To print from the public computers, you must first load money on to your library card at the Library Payment Center. All print jobs are sent to the Print Release Station located on the lower level copy/print room next to the elevator.

When you select print, a pop-up screen will tell you the number of pages you will print and the total cost. Select the right printer for your job: BlackWhite OR Color. Black and white copies are 10 cents per page and color copies are 50 cents per page. You have two options to decline a print job (at the computer AND at the Print Release Station). Please note that NO REFUNDS will be given for pages printed that you do not want.

There are 6 virtual printers at each workstation:

Black and White – 8.5″ x 11″ paper, single sided
Black and White (Duplexing) – 8.5″ x 11″ paper, double sided
Black and White (Legal) – 8.5″ x 14″ paper, single sided

Color – 8.5″ x 11″ paper, single sided
Color (Duplexing) – 8.5″ x 11″ paper, double sided
Color (Legal) – 8.5″ x 14″ paper, single sided

At the Print Release Station, find your print job and highlight it to print. All print jobs remain active until the close of that day.

If you need to use special paper for printing resumes or other important materials, you can use MPT Tray One, but the Library cannot be held responsible if someone else prints on your paper.

You must add money to your library card or visitor card at the Print Release Terminal in the Copy/Print Room

WiFi How To

The intention of this document is to demonstrate how to use the Wireless Internet Hotspot at the Northville District Library. This document uses Windows 7 as the demonstration Operating System. While your wireless device may not use Windows 7, the concepts and information included are the same for all wireless devices. Some items may appear differently with your wireless device than illustrated here.

Step One: Making Sure your Computer is Compatible

The Operating System is NOT a reliable measure of compatibility here. Instead, it is the wireless card or availability of a Network Interface Card (NIC). NDL’s Wireless Hotspot will support IEEE 802.11 b, g, n or AC type protocols operating at 2.4ghz or 5ghz throughout most of the Library. We also provide patch cables for connection to the Hotspot via Network Interface Card. If you are not sure in either case, please refer to the manuals that came with your computer.Some Laptops or Notebook computers include an ON/OFF switch specifically for wireless. This switch is intended to save battery power. Make sure your WIRELESS is switched on before you connect.

Step Two: Connecting to the Wireless

Please locate the Wireless Network Connection named
“Northville Library“. You will find MANY other Wireless Network Connections while in the Library, but only “Northville Library” is open and available for you to gain access from. Other SSIDs visible in the Library exist for the Library Staff, Public Equipment, and even nearby businesses and locales like the Northville Community Center.CLICK on the “Northville Library” icon, and then click on CONNECT.
(Our wireless system does NOT allow you to view the contents of other connected users, nor vice versa). After you connect, you still need to load your web browser to accept the connection terms. You do NOT need a username and password to access the Wireless.The wireless signal is available only during open hours!

Step Three: Authenticate

Once you have a wireless signal, connected to “Northville Library“, load up your preferred Web Browser (Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari, etc).

Upon opening your web browser, you should be presented with a screen which includes the text of the Library’s POLICY ON INTERNET ACCESS. You must read through this and scroll to the bottom of the page.At the bottom you will see a button which reads: AGREE AND CONTINUE TO INTERNET.Please be aware of the Library’s Policy on Internet Access and Guidelines for Use of the Library’s Wireless Network

Assuming you DO agree with the terms, click on the button and you will be taken to the Library’s home page.

You may then browse through the Internet as you wish.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — –

If you have any questions or issues with Wireless Usage at the Northville District Library, please ask for help downstairs at the Reference Desk. Our Computer Pages are always ready to help you

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: I Can’t get a Signal! What’s wrong?
A: You might have either a weak antenna in your wireless device, or your wireless card is not correctly connected to your computer. Try moving around the Library to find a signal. The “sweet” spot is the ATRIUM area on each floor. Access points are centrally located to the center of the building. You may also need to simply turn on or activate the wireless card in your wireless device!

2. Q: What is WEP? Or why doesn’t the Library use WEP? or WPA?
A: WEP is Wireless Encryption Protocol. It comes in 40, 64, 128, and 256 bit flavors. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is an advanced version of WEP that requires pass phrases. WEP and WPA are intended to protect wireless traffic from interception by encrypting the wireless traffic, like scramling a radio signal. However, both WEP and WPA have proven to be completely inadequate and are easily crackable with freely available software. Enabling WEP or WPA become just another level of complexity in the login process. We’ve disabled WEP and WPA in favor of simplicity when logging in.

3. Q: My computer won’t login! Can you help me?
A: Absolutely. However, the Library staff CANNOT fix your computer for you. Our help on getting connected to the Wireless or Wired Hotspot is limited to diagnosing any connection difficulties on our end and suggesting possible fixes on your end. Fixes on our end may include rebooting the Authentication Gateway.

4. Q: How secure is the Wireless and Wired Hotspot Connection at the Library?
A: Between computers connected within the Library, only in as much as the level of security installed on your computer. For example, Apple and Linux users probably do not have much to worry about (because both have a firewall enabled in almost all cases). Windows users with a software firewall enabled are generally in good shape. Those without a software firewall enabled are susceptible to snooping from each other. Remember, it is part of the Guidelines and Policies of the Library to NOT use the Library’s Internet Connections for illegal purposes. Accessing someone elses computer without their permission is a CRIME and will be treated as such.

5. Q: Is the Wired connection “safer” than wireless?
A: There is no real safety difference between wired and wireless connectivity from a network standpoint. The only difference is there is no “signal” to intercept with a Wired connection.

6. Q: Can I print from the Hotspot connection?
A. Yes.

The Library's Public Wifi is accessible in our parking lot or the park behind the library between the hours of 8am and 10pm daily.

Connect to the SSID "Northville Library", agree to the Guidelines, and you can use the Library's Wifi service to attend online meetings, browse our online catalog, sign up for any of our fantastic events, or even "work from home".

Print from your own Device

We offer our patrons the ability to print from inside or outside the Library using an Internet/email enabled device and to claim their print jobs at our Print Release Terminal located on the lower level of the Library. Patrons have the option to send their print jobs by email or use the PrinterOn mobile app.

All mobile/wireless printing is charged at the same rate as normal printing:
$0.10/page – Black & White
$0.50/page – Color

How to Use Email to Send Something Directly to Library Print System.

Email from any device directly to the library’s printers with the following email addresses:

Web Portal: https://www.printeron.net/ndl/library
B/W Email address: ndl-library-bw@printspots.com
Color Email address: ndl-library-color@printspots.com
B/W Duplex Email address: ndl-bw-2side@printspots.com
Color Duplex Email address: ndl-library-color-2@printspots.com

Print from Your Tablet or Smart Phone. Download the PrinterOn App:

Apple App Store
Android Play Store

Help Documents

How to use the MobilePrint Service at your Library!