Services

:: Computers

Computers are available for public use at the Central Library and at all branch locations except at the Los Olivos Branch Library and the Santa Ynez Branch Library. Use of the public computers is free. There is a time limit of 30 minutes when others are waiting to use the computers. Some Library branches accept sign-ups for computer use; please contact your local Library for more information. Computer users may purchase diskettes for downloading at a cost of $.40 each. Users may not load personal software onto Library computers, save personal data to a Library computer hard drive, or alter the programs installed by Library staff. Printing is available at a cost of $.10 per page. Although Library computers are checked for viruses, no guarantees are made that anti-virus programs will completely protect user data. 

Library computers offer a wide range of software programs, including Word and educational programs. The Black Gold Cooperative Library System Online Catalog and holdings catalogs from other Libraries can be accessed from Library computers, and Internet access is available at designated terminals.

Library staff is on hand to assist in using computers for information searches, for very basic instructions on computer use, and to look for materials in the online catalogs.

The Santa Barbara Public Library System uses Cybersitter, a filtering software program, on computers in the children’s areas. Parents, guardians and caregivers are urged to provide guidance to children using the Library’s resources and to encourage their children to use computer terminals that have filtering software installed. Please ask staff to identify the terminals with filter software.