How do I book a computer using Netloan?
- Direct log on to a computer in person
In most libraries you can walk up to any available computer and log on through Netloan if no-one else has pre-booked that computer. The login screen will show if the computer is available or not: if it is available it will display the ‘available until…’ time.
Please note that there may be some local restrictions applied, for example visitors may not be offered this service. - Online
Library members can often reserve a computer online via the local authority’s website. To do this, you will need your library membership card number and pincode. Remember to make a note of the computer number you have booked – so that you can find it easily on your arrival at your library. - Staff
PC reservations can often be made with a member of staff, either in person at the library or over the phone. To do this, you will usually need your library membership card number. - Self-service kiosk
Many libraries now have self-service kiosks in place where you can book your computer and pay library fines. If the library uses the Netloan queue module, you will also see a ‘Join Queue’ button which provides the option to join a virtual queue for the next available computer.
How long can I book a computer for?
Usage allowance differs from authority to authority, so check out the library area on your council’s website for more information. Customers are usually placed into age-based user groups which will each have their own time allowances allocated (such as Adults, Young Children etc).
What happens when I turn up for my booking?
If you know which computer you have booked, you can go straight to it and log in via Netloan. Your name will be displayed on the screen as soon as it is possible for you to log in with your card number and pincode.
What will happen if I arrive late for my booked session?
Once booked, a computer will not be available for other customers to use. The computer will remain booked for a set number of minutes beyond the session start time. After that, your booking is automatically cancelled in Netloan and the PC will be available to other users.
How do I know when my session time has started?
On the login page on the library computer there is a clock in the upper right hand corner. This clock is also shown on every Netloan web page. It is this time that is used to decide when a booking will begin or end within Netloan. Therefore if you make a booking and are waiting for it to start, it will not start until this clock says it is time for the booking to start.
English isn’t my first language. Are there other languages available?
Libraries can have more than one language enabled within Netloan. If your library chooses to do so, there will be a list of languages under the login button. If you click on one of these languages, Netloan will switch languages.
Can I search for my reservations?
As a user, you can search for reservations made by you. You can search all reservations in the future or just within a certain interval. A booking that is currently running will be counted as a future reservation. You will need to log in to Netloan to do this. The homepage in Netloan also displays all your future reservations automatically.
Can I edit my reservations?
As a user, you can edit your own reservations in the Netloan reservation grid or wizard.
Can I cancel a booking if I need to?
Yes, you can cancel the booking yourself from any computer or contact the library. Once in Netloan, you can see the list of reservations on either the homepage or the reservation search page. Use the ‘Delete’ button to remove a reservation and a confirmation message will display.
What if I finish early?
Select end session and log off. The computer will automate a full log off which will clear your profile and remove personal data.
What happens at the end of a Netloan session?
Each authority can configure this setting differently, however generally speaking 10 minutes before the end of your session (and again at 2 minutes) Netloan will warn you that your session is nearly at an end. Netloan will log you off automatically at the end of your booked time, and all details of your session will be erased.
I’m not a member of a library. Can I still use the computers?
Generally speaking, yes you can, although it does depend on individual libraries. You would probably need to see a member of staff who would guide you through the process.
Is Netloan only used for booking a PC?
Settings within Netloan also control things like printing charges and how a customer can access the computers in certain libraries. These are set on a local basis. Netloan is also used to manage access to library Wi-Fi and for wireless printing from users’ own devices.
How do I print something using Netloan?
During your computer session, go to File, Print and print to an available printer just as you would normally. An on-screen message will display how many pages will be printed and the cost. If you want to continue with the print job click OK before paying for and collecting your printing. This will either be with a library staff member or on a self-service payment kiosk close to the printer.
Many libraries also enable printing from personal devices to library printers using Netloan Wi-Fi print. They will advertise the URL address you will need to go to on your device. Here you will log in using your usual library card number and PIN, then Netloan will guide you through uploading and printing your document.