Mountain Regional Library System Computer Services
Public Access Computers
Each branch of the Mountain Regional Library System offers computers with high speed internet access for the public to use for research, education, and entertainment purposes. There are 12 Public Access Computers available at both Mountain Regional Library in Young Harris and Towns County Library in Hiawassee, 10 at Union County Library in Blairsville, and 18 at Fannin County Library in Blue Ridge.
- Computer workstations are available from library opening until 15 minutes prior to closing.
- You will need your PINES library card and PIN to log on to a Public Access Computer, and your PINES account must be in good standing. Temporary visitors who do not have a PINES card may obtain a one-day computer use guest pass at the Circulation Desk.
- Computer users must agree to abide by the MRLS Internet Acceptable Use Policy and the Internet Use Rules of Conduct.
- Computer sessions are one hour long, but may be extended indefinitely if there are no others waiting to use a computer.
- Network printing is available in Black & White for a fee of $.15 per page at all branches. Color printing is also available at Union County Library in Blairsville and at Fannin County Library in Blue Ridge for a fee of $.50 per page.
Workstation Configuration
There are Hewlett Packard small form factor PCs with 17 inch flat-screen monitors at each MRLS branch. All PCs are loaded with the same set of productivity and internet browsing software, and configured with identical security and privacy settings. Security patches and anti-malware updates are applied regularly, and all information on the hard drives is cleared after every reboot.
Our computer workstations run the Windows XP Professional operating system, and have the standard 2002 versions of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint installed, as well as software to convert Office 2007 documents to earlier versions of Office. Each branch also offers at least 2 workstations loaded with Office 2007 for users who need to work with this newer version.
The Public Access Computers have Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera web browser software. They are also loaded with Google Earth, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and the most common applications required for viewing dynamic web content, such as Adobe Flash Player, Apple QuickTime Player, Windows Media Player, and Java.
The Public Access Computers are configured above all to protect our users' privacy and security. Internet browsers are set to clear cookies and the history of websites visited when your computer session has ended, and will not save password or web form information. Nevertheless, users are encouraged to use caution and discretion when making online purchases or transmitting sensitive information. To protect our computers, networks and patrons from virus and malware infections, users cannot install any software on or save files to MRLS public computers, or attach personal peripheral devices without staff authorization. You will need to bring your own storage media, such as a floppy disk or usb memory stick to save your work.
Assistive Workstations
MRLS provides 2 public computer workstations at each branch equipped with Freedom Scientific's JAWS for Windows Screen Reading Software for the visually impaired. The JAWS software, provided through a grant from the Georgia Library for Accessible Services, makes productivity software and the Internet more accessible for those with visual impairments. Visit the GLASS website to learn about all the other ways GLASS works to make Georgia library resources available to everyone.
Wireless Connectivity
Thanks to Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants and generous help from our Friends' groups, all branches of the Mountain Regional Library System now offer high-speed wireless internet access for users with laptop computers and other compatible mobile devices. Internet access is open (there is no password required to connect), free-of-charge, and available around the clock. Please read our Wireless Use Policy prior to taking advantage of this service and refer to our wireless help document if you are having trouble connecting.