Services > Computers > Labs > North Portland > Lab policy
North Portland computer lab policy
The primary purpose of the North Portland Computer Lab is to provide library customers with the ability to write reports, letters and resumes; create presentations and spreadsheets; design and post Web pages; and complete various other projects that require personal productivity software, such as Microsoft Word.
The Lab offers
- regularly scheduled hours so customers may reserve computers for personal projects
- a variety of self-learning aids, such online tutorials, tip sheets, software guides and computer manuals
- regularly scheduled workshops on computer skills and library resources.
Time and other limits
Reservations are required, because other programs may occasionally occur during computer lab hours. The North Portland Computer Lab is located in the library's meeting room, where many community events are held.
To ensure that as many customers as possible have access to the lab, Multnomah County Library limits the amount of time an individual may reserve on a lab computer. Review the "Making a Reservation" section of the Lab Instructions for current limits.
Rules governing the use of the computer lab
- Reservations are required. There is a 15-minute grace period for all reservations.
- Walk-ins are welcome if computers are not already reserved.
- A valid Multnomah County Library card or other identification is required to use the lab.
- No more than two people may use a computer at one time.
- Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Only the software loaded on the lab computers may be used; you may NOT download or install new software onto the machines.
Computer help
A lab attendant is always on site to answer questions or guide customers to another resource. Lab attendants are volunteers or high school interns who are prepared to offer one-on-one assistance, although they must balance their attention between all of the customers present. Customers are encouraged to attend the lab's free computer classes.
Multnomah County Library's Computer Search Station Use Policy also governs behavior in the North Portland Computer Lab.
