Children's
and Teen Services (CATS) Computer Lab
The
Longmont Public Library Children's and Teen Services (CATS) Computer Lab provides
filtered access through SurfControl 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?
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?
Come to the Children's and Teen Services Desk, and a staff person will
write your name on the sign-up sheet for first come, first served use
of a computer. You must be in the library to sign up; the staff does not
take reservations. If all computers are in use, your name may be added
to a waiting list.
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
- You may print your first 5 pages at no charge; it is 10 cents per page
after the first 5 pages. Payments are to be made at the Children's and Teen
Services Desk.
- Internet
searching (SurfControl) 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.
(SurfControl does not replace parental judgment as to what is appropriate
for a particular child.)
- Use
of CD-ROM 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
SurfControl 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. SurfControl 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, but if no one is
waiting for a computer, an individual may work at the computer until the
computer is needed.
What Type of Computers Are Available?
- 11
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 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 CD-ROM
software for preschool and elementary age children. These CD-ROM computers are
equipped with headphones. These computers do not require sign-up. The time limit
on these computers is 30 minutes.
Assistance and Training
Library
staff will provide informal assistance (10-15 minutes) to individuals unfamiliar
with the Internet or word processing.
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