Computers in the Library

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Do you have IT in the library?
What can I use the computers for?
How do I access the computers?
What do you do to protect me online?

Do you have IT in the library?

Yes! All Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Libraries have free computers for you to use.

What can I use the computers for?

You can access Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. Plus Broadband access to the Internet if you have parental permission. There is limited access to Internet sites suitable for homework and fun chosen by librarians for those children without Internet permission.

How do I access the computers?

You need to be a member of the library as your card number and PIN are required to log in. Every child can use the Microsoft products and view the limited Internet sites but for full Internet access we require parental permission. If you are already a member of the library you will need to get a parent or legal guardian to sign an Internet Consent Form. If you don't have a library card already your parent can agree to Internet access when you join.

What do you do to protect me online?

All Internet access is filtered through the Council filtering software. This software attempts to filter out viruses and any Web site that may cause offence - access is prevented to sites on the grounds of sexual, racist, defamatory content, etc.
However, this software cannot be 100% effective and material may get through that you may find distasteful, also some perfectly innocuous sites may be blocked

We log Internet usage to help ensure that everyone is using it safely and legitimately.

We provide guidance on how to be safe on the Internet every time you log on you will see some simple rules and links to sites that can teach you more about Safe Surfing.

We have developed Quick Links - The Children's Gateway to the Internet, which provides links to safe, reliable and informative sites great for homework!

We are unable to block access to chat rooms and instant messaging.
This means if you use the computers in the library you will be able to access chat rooms and talk to people in real time but only if you have been given Internet permission.

Page last updated: 21st February 2014