Frequently Asked Questions
Computer Reservations at the Berkeley Public Library
- How can I reserve a computer?
- What is my PIN number?
- Where is my library card number?
- How many computers are available for advance reservations?
- How do I know where my reserved computer is?
- How far in advance can I reserve a computer?
- How many times can I reserve a computer during a week?
- What if I don't want to reserve a computer and just drop in to use one?
- Can I call the Library and ask staff to make a reservation or cancel a reservation for me?
- What if I need to cancel my reservation, or I forget about my reservation?
- How will I find the computer I have reserved?
- How long will the information about my reservations be stored on the Library's reservation system?
- What is the advantage to making a reservation instead of just showing up at the Library?
- What if I am late for my reservation?
- The time on the computer is several minutes different from my watch--how do you know it is the correct time?
- What is a no show?
- Does the library have headphones?
- Need some help?
How can I reserve a computer?
You can reserve a computer now through our reservation system or make reservations from any computer in the Library, or from a home or work computer. The Library maintains many non-Internet computers for this purpose.
What is my PIN number?
Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is the last 4 digits of the phone number you provided when you obtained a library card. If you updated your phone information with the Library, the latest number given to the Library is your PIN. If you don't know your PIN or would like to change it please contact the service desk at your local Library.
Where is my library card number?
Your library card number is the 14-digit number on the back of your library card. When entering it into the system, do not input any spaces between the numbers.
How many computers will be available for advance reservations?
At the Central Library, there are 41 computers available for advance reservation:
- 35 one-hour Internet/Word Processing stations
- 2 one-hour Internet/Word Processing station for Teens Only on the second floor
- 4 two-hour Internet/Word Processing stations with accessible technology
In addition each branch has one or more computers available for advanced reservations:
Please Note: The West Branch and South Branch libraries are closed for construction.
| 30 min | 1 hr | teen | children | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont | 7 | 2 | 2 | |
| North | 6 | 2 | 2 |
How do I know where my reserved computer is?
To locate your computer, click here for a printable map of locations of Internet computers in Central library.
How far in advance can I reserve a computer?
One reservation can be made per day up to 7 days in advance.
How many times can I reserve a computer during a week?
One reservation can be made per day up to 7 days in advance.
What if I don't want to reserve a computer and just drop in to use one?
At each location there will be a 30 minute “Quick Connect” computer that users can “walk-up” to if it is available. However, we recommend that when you first arrive at the library that you go to the reserve a computer online site and choose the option to “Reserve Next Available Machine”. This will find the next available full one-hour time slot available at that location..
Can I call the Library and ask staff to make a reservation or cancel a reservation for me?
Yes, see the telephone contact page to find the number for the location you wish to contact. However, we cannot guarantee a reservation at your chosen time. You are still responsible for canceling your reservation if you cannot be present.
What if I need to cancel my reservation, or I forget about my reservation?
You can cancel your reservation by going to http://reservations.berkeley-public.org, selecting a branch to get to the main reservation screen, then clicking the "View my reservations" link. From this page you may select the option to cancel a future reservation. If you miss your reservation without canceling it, you will receive a warning from the system the next time you make a reservation. If this occurs three times within a seven day period, you will be unable to make a reservation for seven days following the first missed reservation.
How will I find the computer I have reserved?
When you make your reservation, note the name and location of the computer you have reserved for example M203 (2nd Floor Central Library). In the Library, computers on the reservation system will be identified with signs.
How long will the information about my reservations be stored on the Library's reservation system?
We retain information about each reservation for a period of seven days starting from the time you make that reservation. If you miss two reservations in a row without canceling, your information will be retained in the system for twenty-eight days due to the restriction in effect for users who do not cancel their reservations when they are no longer wanted.
What is the advantage to making a reservation instead of just showing up at the Library?
If you reserve a computer in advance, you are assured of the use of a library computer for that specific day and time at the branch you select. You will not have to wait in line when you arrive at the Library.
What if I am late for my reservation?
Reservations are held for a grace period of 10 minutes. After that, the computer is made available for either another reservation, or a walk-up user. Each minute you are late is deducted from your total time slot. If you do not cancel your reservation in advance, this will be considered a "no-show". See What if I need to cancel my reservation, or I forget about my reservation? above for more information.
The time on the computer is several minutes different from my watch--how do you know it is the correct time?
All library computers are synchronized with the official U.S. time for the Pacific time zone using synchronization software. We consider this to be the most accurate way to set our clocks. To learn more about the official U.S. Time, see this web site at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). To download free software to synchronize your own computer with the official U.S. time, visit the NIST Time Service page.
What is a No-Show?
A "no-show" is a missed appointment on a reserved computer. If you have 3 in any seven day period, you will be unable to make a reservation until 7 days after the first no-show.
Does the library have headphones?
The library does keep some headphones available to borrow at the staff desk. However, availability is first come. It is acceptable to bring and use your own.