Technology FAQs

  • General Questions

    The Library encourages users to be responsible and considerate of others when using computers in a public setting shared by people of all ages. Parents and legal guardians are  responsible for determining what information is appropriate for themselves and their children. Disregarding the following guidelines may result in loss of computer privileges, potential loss of Library privileges and possible prosecution:

    1. The Library's computer equipment and software must be used as installed. Users are not allowed to delete, add to or change the installed hardware and software.

    2. Users may not use the Library's computers or wireless connection to obtain unauthorized access, including hacking into any other computer or network or participating in other unlawful online activities.

    3. Users may not disrupt or interfere with other computer or network users, services or equipment. Intentional disruption of the operation of computer systems and networks is
    a violation of Florida Statutes, Chapter 815, as may be amended, and users may be held responsible.

    4. Users may not represent themselves as another person or use internet access to transmit obscene, threatening or harassing materials.

    5. Users may not send or display pornographic or obscene materials or materials harmful to minors in accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 847, as may be amended. If a complaint is received or if a staff member observes a person accessing pornographic or obscene materials or sites harmful to minors, the staff member will immediately ask him or her to close the site. If the person complies with the staff's request, he or she may continue to use the computer. However, if the person refuses to close the site, the session will be ended remotely and the person will be told to leave the Library.

    6. Users must respect the legal protection of data and software provided by copyright and license law.

    7. Users should be aware of computer viruses and other destructive computer programs and take steps to avoid being a victim or unwitting distributor of these problems. All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their laptop computers or wireless devices. The Library will not be responsible for any compromised information or any damage caused to hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. Additionally, the Library cannot guarantee that a device will work with the Library's wireless access points.

    8. Users of electronic mail (email) systems or other forms of direct electronic communications should be aware that these communications may not be secured and are highly vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification. Therefore, parents/guardians should instruct children on using these types of communication safely and refrain from disclosing personal information online.

    9. The unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of the personal identification information of others are prohibited.

    10. For reasons of equipment security, users may not install or download any program on the hard drive of a Library computer.

    11. Absolute privacy cannot be guaranteed, but users should respect others.

    The Library does not routinely monitor public computers, but reserves the right to do so when a violation of this policy or illegal activity is suspected. Staff is authorized to take immediate action to protect the computers and the networks' security and enforce Library policies.

    Due to the high demand for electronic resources, the Library may establish time limits to accommodate people waiting.

    Ultimate responsibility for problems related to the invasion of the user's privacy or loss of data rests with the user. Accordingly, the Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user's personal technology devices, software, data or any damage or injury arising from the use of the Library's internet connection or Library staff assisting users with their personal technology devices.

    As with most public wireless "hotspots," the Library's wireless connection is not secure. Any information being transmitted could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user. Cautious and informed wireless users should not transmit personal information or confidential data while using any wireless connection. Users should take appropriate precautions when using this service.

    The Library and its staff are not liable for any damage to personal equipment and files from utilizing Library computer stations.

    In accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act, the Library's computers and wireless connections are filtered to block internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, contain child pornography or are harmful to minors. Websites that contain material categorized by the filter as pornographic or software that may be harmful to the Library's network are also blocked. These filters are not foolproof. Parents or legal guardians retain the right and responsibility to determine the appropriate internet use for their children. Members over age 18, with proof of age, can request the filtering be temporarily removed for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Staff can require a member to use a particular computer or a particular computer area when the filter is being removed. The filter is never lifted on wireless access or computers in the children's and teen areas.

  • Mobile Hotspots

    The PBCLS Mobile HotSpot allows you to browse the Internet for free. The HotSpot connects your Internet-ready device to the T-Mobile Wi-Fi network where you can connect to the Internet for work, school, or entertainment. There are no data usage fees while using the HotSpot, its free! The library is not responsible for any other charges you may incur while you are using your device. Content filtering is not provided when using the HotSpot. HotSpot devices are separate from the Library computer network. Parents/Guardians are responsible for monitoring what content is accessed.

    1. Search for HotSpot in the Library Web Catalog to determine availability. There you may place a hold and select a pickup location.
    2. One device may be borrowed at a time for each adult library card in good standing.
    3. You must be 16 years of age or older and have an adult Library card in good standing to borrow a HotSpot.
    4. The loan period is 21 days. The loan may be renewed up to 3 times as long as there are no other members waiting.
    5. When picking up your device, please see a library staff member at the Member Services Desk.
    6. Return HotSpot devices inside at any branch, do not use book return.

    1. Connect the charging cords to the HotSpot device. Do not force the connectors together, be sure they are properly aligned.

    2. Plug the power cord into a standard power outlet. The power icon on the device will blink while the device is charging and glow solid once fully charged. It takes about 3 hours before the device is fully charged.

    3. Optionally you may charge the HotSpot by connecting the USB cable directly into a PC.

    4. The device has a battery and may be able to operate for up to 6 hours once fully charged.

    5. To turn on the HotSpot press and hold the power button on the side for 3 seconds.

    6. Once the unit is on and ready, the Wi-Fi icons on the display will illuminate as a solid color. 

    7. On your computer or Wi-Fi enabled device, search for the Wi-Fi network name displayed on the HotSpot sticker label.

    8. Enter the password on the HotSpot sticker label exactly as shown.

    9. It may take up to one minute to establish a connection.

    10. That's it, you are ready to start browsing the Internet!

    11. When you are done using the HotSpot, press and hold the power button on the side of the device for 3 seconds to turn unit off.

    12. Return HotSpot devices inside at any branch, do not use book return.

    13. HotSpot devices support Windows (32 bit & 64 bit) 7/8/8.1/10 and Mac OS X 10.6 to 10.11 with the latest upgrade.

     

    • You may use the device to connect up to 10 devices however, the more devices you connect, the slower the connection speed may be.
    • Connectivity speed: Devices offer 4GLTE high speed 24/7/365 so you can get things done!
    • The device may be used internationally wherever T-Mobile coverage is available at no charge.
    • The Mobile HotSpot should be kept in a temperature controlled environment; do not leave it in your car.

     

      • When you borrow a HotSpot you are responsible for costs associated with loss or damage of the device and/or all cables and accessories. No fees will occur for data use of the device. Each kit contains four parts:
      1. One Mobile HotSpot unit containing one SIM card and one battery
      2. One charging cable
      3. One power adapter
      4. One Clear carrying case
      • Mobile HotSpots that are not returned will be deactivated and be rendered useless.
      • Failure to return the device may result in referral to the library's collection agency and additional fees.
      • Members will be charged a replacement cost due to loss or damage as follows:
      • 1 Mobile HotSpot unit: $90.00
      • 1 charging cable: $5.00
      • 1 power adapter: $10.00
      • Clear carrying case: $2.00

    • If you have technical issues connecting the PBCLS Mobile HotSpot, you should call your nearest branch.
    • Do not open the device. Opening the device may result in damage. There are no serviceable settings inside the device.
    • If the HotSpot will not turn on, is damaged, or malfunctioning it should be returned to any branch of the library - please see a staff member when returning a damaged or nonfunctioning device.

  • Printing

    The service is CASH only. The coin box connected to the printers accepts nickels, dimes, quarters, $1, and $5 bills.

    Black and white prints are $.25 per page and color prints are $.50 per page.

    Letter size paper is available and can be printed in color or black and white.

    You must pick up your print job from the location that you selected within 48 hours of submitting it, or it will be deleted from the system.

    Yes, you can send documents through this service 24 hours a day, but print jobs can only be picked up during the library’s operating hours. Please visit our Locations page for operating hours.

    Please make sure that your document is formatted properly before you send it through the mobile app or the online interface. In Excel, you should set your print area and if you want an Excel spreadsheet to be only on one page, you can change that in Excel by going to File -> Print, and where it says scaling, change it to Fit Sheet on One page. The service will let you change the orientation of the documents to landscape or portrait, but it is best to set up all printing options in the document before it is saved and sent through the printing service.

    Emails and attachments can be forwarded to an email address found on the interface page of the branch that you want to print to. Please ensure that you have text in the subject line of the email or the email and/or attachment may not go through. If you need to print a .txt document, ensure that it is saved as Unicode. It is best to save text in Microsoft Word or in a .pdf and forward it. If that is not available to you, save the text file as Unicode.

    Emails and attachments can be forwarded to an email address found on the interface page of the branch that you want to print to. Please ensure that you have text in the subject line of the email or the email and/or attachment may not go through. When you send an attachment, the email body will be one print job and the attachment will be another print job. Both will be found via the email address that you sent them from. You can choose not to print the email body print job if you don’t need it. You can use the print preview option to see what the print job will look like.

    Please print the webpage to pdf and save it as a pdf. In most browsers, File -> Print, choose “Microsoft Print to PDF” under select Printer. Click Print. Save the pdf file on your computer. Select the pdf that you saved when selecting a document to print.

    These instructions will work after installing the mobile app on Android phone, iPhones, and iPads.

    • Open the PrinterOn App
    • Click on the printer in the area where it says “No Printer Selected”
    • Click on the Search button
    • In the search box type, pblcs and click Next or Search. Each branch has two printers. A Color Letter printer and a BW Letter printer. You will need to add both for the branch that you want to print to.
    • Click on the circle icon with an "i" on it next to the printer that you want to add.
    • The printer information screen will display. Click on Save.
    • Do this for both the Color Letter and the BW Letter printers at the branch that you want to print to.

    There is an optional 3rd-party application available from PrinterOn that you can install to easily print documents and photos from your mobile device. You don’t have to install the apps on your mobile device to print, you can use the web interface if you would rather.

    Google Play link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.printeron.android.printplugin&hl=en_US

    Apple App Store link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/printeron/id406584999

    Yes! Please visit the mobile printing page, find the branch location nearest you and start printing! Black and white copies are 25¢ and color copies are 50¢.

  • Lending Laptops

    Palm Beach County Library System cardholders with an Adult Library Card (ages 16 and older). You will need to read and sign the Application for Laptop Computer/Tablet Use. 

    A laptop may be borrowed for a period of 2 hours. The loan period may be extended upon request. Library laptops are for use inside the Library and must not be taken beyond the security gates. Borrowers may return the laptop to Library staff temporarily if they need to use the restroom or go out of the building. All data left on Library equipment will be permanently deleted at the end of each session. It will not be possible to recover any data left by the user once their session has ended. All laptops must be returned 30 minutes before the Library closes. If the laptop is not returned before the Library closes, the equipment will be considered stolen and police will be notified. Do not leave the laptop unattended.

    Yes. Library laptops have a camera and microphone. Headphones or earbuds must be used to listen to audio material and cannot be loud enough to disturb other members. Earbuds are for sale at the Member Services Desk. To use the microphone, headphones with a microphone are required. 

    Library staff will assist with resolving issues and may issue you another laptop if needed. To receive more assistance, members are encouraged to schedule a “Book-A-Librarian” appointment for dedicated one-on-one assistance. The Library offers many free computer classes in-person and on-demand. Tampering, modifying, installing software or attempting to repair a Library laptop is prohibited.

    Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office Home and Business 2021 (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), FoxIt PDF Reader and Microsoft Edge browser.

    Files may be saved a USB flash drive. USB flash drives are for sale at the Member Services Desk. Files saved to the Library laptop will be permanently deleted at the end of each session.

    Yes, Wi-Fi printing is available. Visit the library’s mobile printing page. Staff are always available if you need assistance.

    Library laptops must not be used to engage in illegal activities or to disturb other Library members. Failure to adhere to posted Palm Beach County Library System “Guidelines Governing Use of the Library” and the Loan Agreement may result in the loss of equipment borrowing privileges.

    Equipment loaned by the Library contains software to protect against malware and software viruses. Precautions should be taken if software, programs or other data that could potentially be infected with a computer virus are downloaded. The County, its employees, officers and elected officials are not liable for any damage to personal equipment and files resulting from use of library computer systems.  Palm Beach County is not responsible for any data loss or corrupted files. Palm Beach County is not responsible for damage to users’ personal devices attached to a laptop (flash drive, cell phone, camera,  portable hard drive, etc.).  Palm Beach County retains the right to prosecute individuals for damaged or stolen equipment. If the laptop is lost or stolen, the user will be charged for the replacement cost of the laptop plus applicable processing and collection agency fees.