Yes. You may select a workstation by conducting a search by PC Type or by Specific PC. Searching by Specific PC allows you to request a specific computer. The system assigns a computer to you based on availability.
Yes, it is necessary to have a valid library card to book a workstation. It is possible to get an “Internet/No Loans” Library card for computer use, if you do not have complete identification or if you are visiting Ottawa. Please visit the Circulation Desk for information on how to obtain a library card.
You must log on within the first 5 minutes of your scheduled booking or the booking will be cancelled. The cancelled time (5 minutes) will still be deducted from your daily maximum.
You will receive two warning messages, one at six minutes and one at two minutes, before the end of your session. N.B.: Please save your work to the cloud or a personal storage device (USB stick, flash drive). You can also save your work on the computer’s workspace and then e-mail it to yourself.
If you finish your session early, logout in order to protect your privacy and to save your time. Maximize the “Library Online” window and click on the “Logout” button. The “Library Online” window is located in the lower left corner of the screen.
To change the time of a booking, go to My Confirmed Reservations and cancel your initial booking. Then, proceed with booking a new time.
Pending workstation availability, you can log on early to the workstation you have booked. If it is 10 minutes before the next booking, the system will not allow you to log on. If you have a later reservation and do not have adequate time for both sessions, you will be asked by the system to first cancel your later reservation. You will then be able to proceed.
Depending on workstation availability, if you logged in with your Library card number, and still have time available, you will be able to log back in with your Library barcode and PIN.
If you have to temporarily leave your booked computer you may place your computer on hold for up to 10 minutes. Only you may log back into the computer during those 10 minutes. To place your computer on hold, return to the Application Selection box and click the “On Hold” button. The PC will shut down, so remember to first save your work The “On Hold” feature is offered only if you have at least 10 minutes of your session remaining.
You may lose your scheduled booking sessions for the day if the PC is broken or if the Library’s network is down. If the Library’s network is down you will still be able to use most of the applications on the PC you have booked. If you have time remaining, you may be able to book a later session once the Internet becomes available again.
No. The system does not monitor nor record the Internet sites visited. The system only provides a mechanism to monitor the amount of time used each day by library patrons.
If you will be using a mobile device (phone or tablet), please install the Zoom Meetings app. This is a free app for you and does not require you to create an account.
If you will be using a computer, you can either install the Zoom program or view the program in your web browser.
The downloads are available on the Zoom website.
Zoom has event types: meetings, where all participants who use their camera are seen by everyone on the call, and webinars, where only the panelists and organizers are able to use their cameras. The library uses both of these event types
Zoom meetings are an open forum – please be aware that all participants (not just the OPL presenter) can see you, and into your home, if you choose to have your camera turned on. Simply turn off your camera if you do not want to be visible to others.
The program organizer will tell you at the start of the program if people in the program are able to see each other.
If the program is about to start and you still haven’t received the link, please follow these steps in order:
- Verify the program date and time; links are sent at least 1 hour before the start time.
- Check that you are registered for the program.
- Look in your junk mail folder for an email with the link.
- Make sure you are looking at the email account that was used for the program registration.
- Contact us at programs@biblioottawalibrary.ca, including in the email your library barcode number, your name (or your child’s name, if their card was used to register for the program), and the name of the program.
Once an item is considered lost, a replacement fee equal to the cost of the item will be charged. If the lost item is returned and the replacement fee has not been paid, then the replacement fee will be cancelled. Once you have paid for a lost or damaged item, OPL does not refund the replacement fee if you find the item later. You own the items upon payment.
No, customers must pay the replacement fee for lost or damaged items. The replacement fee is based on the actual price the Library paid for the item. Once you have paid for a lost or damaged item, OPL does not refund the replacement fee if you find the item later. You own the items upon payment.
An account is suspended if it reaches $25 in fees. Customers with suspended accounts cannot borrow physical items from the Library until the fees are paid or the lost items are returned.