93 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 07457 tel: (973) 835-5044 fax: (973) 835-2175

Computers & Equipment

Internet Policy

The Riverdale Public Library is pleased to offer access to the wealth of resources on the Internet.  We would like to remind the users of this service that:

• Some or all of the resources may be unavailable at any time for technical reasons over which the Riverdale Public Library has no control.
• Patrons’ use of the facility and the equipment for access to the Internet will be managed to allow the greatest use by the greatest number of people.
• Library personnel have no control over the quality of information on the Internet.  Each user must evaluate the validity and reliability of the information found.
• Parents or guardians, NOT the library or its staff, are responsible for Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.
• Some materials may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal.  Library personnel do not monitor or supervise Internet access, except for length of time of use.
• Use of the Internet should be consistent with the library’s mission to provide educational, informational, and cultural material and services to residents of the community.
• The library reserves the right to end an Internet session.

In addition, please be aware of the following:  Viewing child pornography is against the law NJSA 2C: 24-4 (4) (b)

Approved by the Riverdale Public Library Board of Trustees
July 8, 2002

Wireless Access

The library offers wireless access to patrons with laptop computers that are equipped to support the WiFi standard known as IEEE 802.11b or g.  You may use library printers if you save information to a flash drive.  When you use the Internet in the library you are accepting the library’s Internet Policy. 

Limitations:

• A WiFi network is less secure than a wired network.  Patrons are responsible for protecting their personal information.
• Signal strength varies within the library.
• The library staff cannot assist you with your laptop, card, or configuration. 

Computers Available

Computers are available for public use free of charge at the Riverdale Public Library.  Computers have Internet access and access to a printer.  The configurations vary.  However, all have available USB ports.  Please review the configuration of the PC prior to using to make sure it has what you need.

Computer Locations

Applications Available

The following Microsoft Office applications are available on each public PC

• Word 2003
• Excel 2003
• PowerPoint 2003

Microsoft Publisher is available on two PCs.

All public computers have Open Office software. This bundle contains  wordprocessing, spreadsheet, database and presentation programs.

In addition, Generations Online, a program especially designed to make using a PC easy for Seniors, is available on all PCs in the adult areas.

All PCs are connected to color printers.

2GB flash drives may be purchased at the front desk for $10.00 each. 

Guidelines for Computer Use

Patrons should use the PCs in the areas designated for their use:  adults in the adult areas, children in the Children’s Room, and teens in the Teen Room.

When computers are in high demand we limit time on the computer in order to make resources available to other patrons.  There are specific rules to manage the demand on the computers in the Teen Room (available upon request).

Other Equipment

Note:  The availability of various items of equipment may vary from time to time, or equipment may be out of service.

Computer Help for New Computer Users

Classes

The Riverdale Public Library periodically offers several introductory classes and workshops on topics such as how to use computers, the Internet, email, eBay, Google, shopping on the Internet, how to find health information, and more.

All classes are hands-on, small-group and free.  Click here to see sample classes.  Reservations are required. Please check the adult program page for summer 2013 class dates and times. Please call the library at 973-835-5044 to register.

Additional Training

Tutoring for Individuals and Small Groups is available upon request.  Sessions are available on most aspects of using a computer such as email, Internet, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  Please call the library to arrange a time that is convenient for both you and the instructor.

The Morris County Library frequently runs classes on many aspects of using computers.  Check their website to see what’s currently scheduled:  http://www.gti.net/mocolib1/class.html

Generations Online for Seniors

All public computers at the library are equipped with Generations Online, a special feature that makes the computer easy to use for Seniors.  In addition, the Library has set up two PCs at the Riverdale Community Senior Center which are intended to be used to access the Internet via Generations Online.

Online Training

If you are new to the computer, there’s an easy way to practice new things like how to use a keyboard and using a mouse.  Try some of these websites.  Click on the link to begin.