Flexible Learning Centres
You can get free access to computers and the Internet at all Walsall Libraries through Flexible Learning Centres.
The Walsall Walk in Web is available to anyone - no ID or library membership is needed.
Flexible Learning Centres offer more facilities and longer sessions to all library members.
More details for children are available at How to use library computers
What’s on offer
Free Internet access
You can surf the Internet for information and for fun all for FREE!
Walsall Walk in Web
Quick access to the Internet and email
To find out more Click Walsall Walk in Web
Flexible Learning Centres
You can enjoy a one hour session on an up to date computer with Internet access. You can book sessions in advance or just turn up at the library.
Internet Access
Internet access is through fast 10Mb connections. You must stick to the user contract but there is no limit to the sites you can visit.
Wi fi Access for Laptops
Wifi access is available at Central Library. Click here for more details Wi fi access
Learning
Learn computer skills using our books and computer based learning packages.
Multi-Media
Flexible Learning Centres offer a range of CD-ROM's to provide information and entertainment.
Word Processing and more
All computers have Microsoft Office including Excel, Publisher and Word.
Scanning
Each Centre has a flat bed scanner and Paint Shop Pro software.
Printing
Each Centre has Black & White and Colour printers
Events and Projects
Look out for events and projects at Flexible Learning Centres.
Before you start
Before you can use public access computers you must be a member of the library and register on the computer booking system.
To become a library member you will need to fill in a simple form
For more details click how to join
Once you are a library member ask to register to use Flexible Learning Centres.
You will receive:
- Login ID - the borrower number on your library card e.g. x00010765499.
- PIN number – a secret number which you will be given when you register eg 4321.
User Contract
You must agree to the user contract before using Walsall Library computers. Please read the contract in full before clicking the I agree button.
You are responsible for your own activities while using computers in Walsall Libraries. If you do not comply with the contract then permission to use the computers may be withdrawn.
Starting to use the computer
You can log in to any free computer in the Flexible Learning Centre or to one you have pre booked.
Enter your Library ID and PIN in the boxes provided and press Log In.
When you log have logged on to the computer and agreed to the User Contract you will see the Application Launcher Page.
Click on the icons on this page to launch programs including Internet Explorer.
You can check the time remaining at any time by looking at the box on the bottom left hand corner of the screen.
To finish your session please click the End Session button at the top of the screen
Computer sessions
The standard length of session is 60 minutes, which can start at any time.
You can reserve a session starting on the hour, at quarter past, half past or quarter to the hour. These pre reserved sessions can be of any length up to 60 minutes.
To reserve a session ask at the library counter.
If you arrive more than 8 minutes late for a reserved session you may lose it to someone else
Before you log on to a computer the screen will tell you how long is available. This may be less than 60 minutes.
Each user can only use the computer for 60 minutes in total per day.
At the scheduled end of your computer session the computer will automatically log off. You will receive warnings 10 minutes and 2 minutes before the session ends, to give you time to save your work.
You can check the time remaining at any time by clicking on the blue clock at the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
To finish your session please click on the Start button and then click log off public.
Internet Access
At all Walsall Libraries Internet access is through fast 10Mb connections.
Recommended Links are provided on the Internet access home page
You must stick to the User Contract but there is no limit to the sites you can visit.
You can
- use Internet based email services such as Hotmail and Yahoo.
- visit chat rooms
- Shop on the Internet – but see safety tips The Consumer Gateway
To make sure that pornographic or illegal websites are not visited all access to the Internet from Walsall Libraries is monitored every day.
If you access unsuitable sites you will be warned by library staff and may be banned from using library computers. Your name will not be identified by the monitoring unless you have accessed unsuitable sites.
Printing
All Libraries have black and White and Colour printers which can be used from all computers.
Printing is controlled through the iCAM management system so please follow these instructions when you wish to print.
- Click the Print icon or open the file menu and click print.
Click OK on the first box.
In the second box choose a colour or black and white print..
- Black and White printing 10p per sheet
- Colour printing 50p per sheet.
Change the number of copies if you want more than one.
Give your document a name.
You can preview the document if you wish by clicking the Preview button.
Click OK when you are happy with the selections.
Ask for your printing at the library counter.
- You can preview the print job on the computer screen
- Your print job will be released by library staff at the counter once you have paid the correct amount.
- You can then collect your sheets from library staff.
Children are allowed up to 5 black and white or 1 colour print free of charge for homework.
Computer Safety
Please take care when using the Internet in Walsall Libraries.
Be careful that any personal information including credit or debit card numbers cannot be found by other people using the computers after you. Log out of any email services. Make sure that you log off the Internet and the computer correctly.
Use only well known companies for shopping on line.
For more tips on safe Internet Shopping see the government site The Consumer Gateway
Walsall MBC cannot be held liable for any losses you incur through use of Walsall Library computers.
UKOnline Centres
All Walsall Flexible Learning Centres are officially recognised as UK Online Centres.
This means that the Centres offer Internet access and support to local communities and businesses.