WIZ-FAQs
Walsall Information Zone FAQs
Who can use the Walsall Information Zone?
Everyone! To be able to use the computers in your local Walsall library, you simply need to have a library card and to register to use the computers. This is free and requires no ID – you just fill out a simple form. Everyone gets one hour of computer access per day, which is also free. Printing charges are 10 pence for an A4 black and white sheet and 50 pence for colour.
Where can I use the Walsall Information Zone?
Most of the resources in the Walsall Information Zone are accessible via the computers in every Walsall library, although a couple can only be accessed from the Central Reference Library. Some need usernames and passwords in order to login, but these are always available from library staff.
Some of the resources are available remotely – from any computer with internet access.
These are marked on the Walsall Information Zone with a green circle.
Those only available from within the libraries themselves are marked with an orange triangle.
Why can’t I get access to all the Walsall Information Zone resources from home?
The companies that produce them have varying access restrictions depending on the type of licence we purchase.
I’m trying to log in from home to one of the Walsall Information Zone resources that says it’s remotely accessible, and it’s not letting me! What’s wrong?
It could be that you have input your library card number incorrectly, or that your card needs to be renewed. It may also be connected with the security settings on your computer. Please email or telephone us if you need help (our contact details are on the Central Library page in the right-hand menu).
The resources in the Walsall Information Zone aren’t what I’m after – help!
There are a huge number of extra sources of information listed under our Library Recommended Websites. These cover many areas, including hobbies and interests, family history research, local information, careers advice, books and reading, educational resources and websites for children. They are updated regularly. If you need any further help you can always contact your local Walsall library.
What is the difference between the Walsall Information Zone and the Library Recommended Websites?
The main difference is that we pay for some and not for others!
The Walsall Information Zone includes resources called databases – information on specific subjects produced by companies who update them regularly and charge a certain amount of money for access to them. They cover a small range of subjects in great detail and are chosen by Walsall Libraries Information Services team.
The Library Recommended Websites pages are lists of links to websites that we feel are reliable sources of information on a wider range of subjects.
How do you choose which sites and resources to include?
Inclusion in the Library Recommended Links page depends on two things – usefulness and reliability. If we come across a website that we feel library users may find useful and seems to provide reliable information, we will include it in the list.
Inclusion in the Walsall Information Zone also depends on the two factors listed above. The third factor for inclusion here, however, is cost. We choose resources which we feel will give value for money, and monitor the number of people who use them to make sure we are continuing to provide the best services for the money we are spending.
Can I ask for a website or resource to be included?
You can indeed! We are always after new ideas to help our library users. If there is a website that you have found useful, just let us know, and we’ll have a look at it. Contact us at the Central Reference Library on (01922) 653110 or reference@walsall.gov.uk.
Can I ask a Walsall library a question via email?
Yes, we are always happy to help with any questions you may have, in whichever format suits you best. The email address of the Central Reference Library is: reference@walsall.gov.uk. The addresses for other parts of the Central Library, and for all the branch libraries can be found on their respective pages – the links are on the right-hand menu under either Find a Library or Central Library.
How do I get:
Information to help me trace my family tree?
Use Ancestry from the Walsall Information Zone, or the many websites under the heading History & Genealogy on the Library Recommended Links page.
Information to help me with my homework/study?
Resources on the Walsall Information Zone designed to help with homework enquiries include Countries of the World, the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Issues Online and the World Book Encyclopaedia.
There are many websites on the Library Recommended Links that are useful for homework, just choose the most relevant heading depending on what your homework is about!
Information on a particular company or something to help me put together a mailing list?
There are two resources available in the Walsall Information Zone where you can get this information. They are Company Information (which is available in any Walsall Library) and Business Products and Services (which is available in the Central Reference Library only). Both require a username and password to logon, so please ask library staff, who will be able to help you.
Can the Walsall Information Zone resources be used in schools or by my business?
Absolutely. Anything that is remotely accessible can be used by any member of the public (with their library card number).
Are there any copyright restrictions on using the Walsall Information Zone?
Yes. It is best to check the restrictions on each resource, as they each have different rules. Staff can always advise you if you aren’t sure.
This page was last updated on 25 November 2009