Services & Collections

Internet Computers

The Ipswich Library and Information Service has a range of computer services available to the public. Available at the Ipswich, Redbank Plains & Redbank Plaza Libraries, all Internet computers have:

Internet access, Yahoo Messenger and MSN Messenger, and Google Earth
Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel & Powerpoint)
Easy access to data storage devices - open, attach and/or save files from floppy disk, CD-ROM and USB drive
Laser print your documents in black & white or full colour
Scan documents
Scan photographs, slides & negatives

The Mobile Library computers have Internet access, chat, and a scanner for photos/images.

Cost is free for Ipswich library members, and $2.00 per half hour or part thereof for non-library members/visitors. Black & white printing is available at a cost of 10¢ per page for Ipswich library members and 25¢ per page for non-library members/visitors. Colour printing is available at the Ipswich Library at a cost of $2.60 per A4 page. ALL CUSTOMERS WILL BE LIMITED TO 60 MINUTES PER DAY PER USER. Customers must use their own card. Use of a friend or relative's card is not permitted.

How do I use the system?

To take advantage of these services, you will need an encoded library membership card. See staff at the Circulation Desk (ground floor at the Ipswich Library) to get your encoded membership card. The encoded cards will have a small E near the barcode.

The encoded cards act as an electronic wallet, storing credit which can be used to access the Internet computers & Word processing (and soon also the photocopiers).

- Patrons who are already members of the library may need to be issued with a new card that has been encoded for Pharos. There is no charge for this new card.

- If you are not a current member of the library and you plan to use the computers regularly, we recommend that you join. Joining the library is free and gives you access to members-only online databases. You will need to show ID with your name and current address (driver's licence, rates notice, etc.).

- One time users/visitors may be issued with a Visitor's Card.

Add money to your card. This can be done at the Circulation Desk at the Redbank Plains & Redbank Plaza Libraries. Ipswich Library users can also use the Auto Loader (pictured right) on the ground floor, opposite the lift. The Auto Loader accepts notes and coins.

Reserve a workstation at the Pharos Stations. The Ipswich Library has Pharos Stations located on both the ground floor and the second floor. When making a reservation, Ipswich residents will need to enter their PIN. If you do not know your PIN, contact Library staff to reset it to the last 4 digits of your telephone number. You can change your PIN using the Library's online catalogue.

Session times include:
- 30 minutes - free for Ipswich library members ($2 for non-library members/visitors)
- 60 minutes - free for Ipswich library members ($4 for non-library members/visitors)
Choose your time carefully, as the session times are exact and any unsaved data will be lost.

Locate your assigned workstation. Your name will be on the screen. You will need to swipe your membership card and enter your 4 digit PIN to log in.

There will be a 10 minute and a 2 minute warning before your session ends and the workstation shuts down. At the end of each session, the workstation will reset itself, and any unsaved data will be lost. Any data you wish to keep should be printed and/or saved to a floppy disk, CD-ROM or USB drive. If you do not have your own, these items are available for purchase at the Circulation Desk (ground floor at the Ipswich Library).

The facilities are provided on a self-help basis.
Library staff members are able to help in basic operation of the workstations. However, patrons must be able to work on the computers independently and are expected to have prior computer skills in regards to Microsoft Office XP. Reference materials are available to assist with the software.

Library staff members can not assist with Microsoft Office software or provide instructions in its use.