Historic Ellicott City, MD - Howard County Library Branch Services

back

WIRELESS INTERNET

Howard County Library offers wireless internet access at all six locations.

WORD PROCESSORS
All branch libraries have word processors. The word processor computers are equipped with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) and are available for free use by Howard County Library cardholders. To assure smooth operation and equitable access, Howard County Library has the following policy:

One hour per day per customer
- This limit may be adjusted on a daily or weekly basis, according to volume, at the Library's discretion.
Accessing a Word Processor
- Unreserved word processors may be used on a first come, first serve basis; you must first sign in at the the Information Desk. Reservations may be made in advance for specific times/dates at the Information Desk. Reservations will be held for ten minutes.
Printing
- The first five pages are free; additional pages cost ten cents each under the honor system. Please pay at the Information Desk at the end of your session.
Equipment Malfunction
- Please ask Library staff for assistance.
Software questions
- Staff cannot provide detailed or lengthy instruction on the operation of the MS Office software on these machines.

Only software approved and installed by Howard County Library may be used on the computers. Personal diskettes will be automatically inspected for viruses; infected diskettes cannot be used.

Blank diskettes are available for purchase at the Circulation Desk at a cost of 50 cents each.

FREE INTERNET ACCESS

Howard County Library offers free Sailor Cruise Accounts to Howard County Library cardholders. These accounts allow free dial-up Internet access from a customer's home computer. Sailor Cruise Accounts have no advertising and come with statewide toll-free dialing. Customers can request a Sailor Cruise Account form at any branch library. To apply, customers must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid Howard County Library card. Cruise Accounts are good for 90 days. While customers cannot renew their Cruise Accounts, they can sign up for new ones. Technical support is available from the trained staff at the Sailor Help Desk (410-396-4636), Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. A Maryland Public Library project, The Sailor Cruise Account service helps to ensure free and equitable access to the Internet for Maryland residents. For more information, go to the Sailor web site at www.sailor.lib.md.us .

NOTARY PUBLIC
A Notary Public is available at Central, East Columbia, Elkridge, and Miller Libraries. Please call the branch library to make an appointment.

PHOTOCOPIES
Photocopy machines are available at each branch library. The fee is $0.20 per page.

PRINTERS
Printers are connected to most of the public access computers. First five pages are free of charge. Additional pages cost $0.10 per page.

PROCTORING
If you need a proctor, please call or visit the branch library of your choice.

STUDY ROOMS
Quiet study rooms are available at most of the branch libraries and usually do not need an appointment.