EnvisionWare: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why did the library purchase EnvisionWare software?

A. EnvisionWare provides equitable access to the public computers by enforcing a time limit for each user when the computers are in high demand and encourages patrons to be more conservative when printing at the library. It also helps the library recover printing costs.

Q. How do I log on a computer?

A. Type in your 13-digit library card number at the logon screen. If you do not have a library card, you may request a one-day, thirty minute guest pass at a library circulation desk.

Q. What if all of the computers are in use?

A. At the Reservation and Printing Station (near the Circulation Desk):

* Click "Make a Reservation"
* Select Next Available PC
* Enter library card number or guest pass number
* Cardholders may choose Internet or Word Processing
* Guest pass holders choose Express
* Accept reservation, and print a receipt.
* At the time indicated, logon to the computer indicated on your receipt

Q. How does EnvisionWare manage time?

A. For library card users, the system will extend computing sessions (after prompting the user) by 20 minute increments when computers are available. For users with guest passes, the system will extend computing sessions (after prompting the user) by 15 minute increments when computers are available.

As reservations are made at the Computer Sign-In Station, there is a chance that the computer a patron is using will become reserved by another patron. The person using the computer will be allowed to use the remaining time on their timer, and then the computer must be relinquished to the patron who has the reservation.

Patrons using a library card are guaranteed an initial 1 hour. Time management beyond the first hour controls how long a library card user can stay on a computer. When computers are full, the system determines which computer(s) are eligible to be reserved based on whose time is "up" first.

Q. Will I receive a warning message before the end of my session?

A. EnvisionWare has a small countdown timer that remains in view.

Q. Can I make a reservation for another day?

A. Patrons with library cards may reserve a computer one day in advance at the Reservation and Printing Station. Reservations will be held for 10 minutes past your scheduled starting time.

Q. How does EnvisionWare manage printing?

A. EnvisionWare uses a print release station to allow users to access and pay for print jobs. You will be asked to enter your library card number at the Reservation and Printing Station. If you used a guest pass to log on the computer, you will enter the guest pass number. Once you have entered your library card number—or guest pass number—the Print Station screen will display your print jobs. Select the job you wish to print and pay using the coin and bill acceptor.

Printing charges are 25 cents per page. The print release station coin box accepts coins as well as $1 and $5 bills. Change is given in quarters only.

To print from your laptop connected to the library wifi, click here to download the print client. Install the client and print as needed. Proceed to the Reservation and Print Station to pay and release your printouts.

Q. Can I lock a computer and come back?

A. Yes. EnvisionWare allows you to lock a computer, but your time continues to count down. If your time runs out while the computer is locked, you will be logged off. If you leave a computer locked for more than 15 minutes, a staff member may end your session so that someone else can use the computer.

Q. Do I need to be concerned about my privacy with EnvisionWare?

A. No, EnvisionWare only keeps track of the time you have spent using the computer during one day. At the end of the day, all patron data is deleted. EnvisionWare provides general reports on computer usage, but the report data is not tied to individual patrons.

Lyme Disease Awareness Month

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Massachusetts. The Vineyard Haven Library's reference librarian can help you locate information on Lyme and other health topics using MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov). MedlinePlus is a service of the NIH & National Library of Medicine, and is a safe and reliable source. The information is science-based and no advertisements are allowed.

The following websites have also been recommended by Margot Malachowski, Outreach Librarian with Baystate Health, in a recent presentation at the Springfield City Library:

www.ilads.org –a doctor's organization, for an overview of the persistent infection point of view

www.columbia-lyme.org –science-based information and NIH-sponsored research organization

www.lymediseaseassociation.org –a patient advocacy organization, include doctor referral

tickencounter.org/tick_identification—for identifying ticks

In Massachusetts:

www.mass.gov/dph/tick --information from Health and Human Services

www.malegislature.gov/Committees/187/Document/House/H46/LymeDiseaseReport --legislation information

extension.umass.edu/agriculture/index.php/services/tick-borne-disease-diagnostics --for testing ticks ($40.00 per tick)

Online Support Group for patients with Lyme in Massachusetts:

health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MassachusettsLyme

Library Schedule Changes and Closings in May

The Library will continue to be open on Sundays from noon to 4pm through Sunday, May 20th. The Library will be closed on Sundays starting Memorial Day weekend, with Sunday hours resuming after Labor Day.

On Wednesday, May 16th, the library will be closed for software installation and staff development. We will be open normal hours the rest of that week.

The Library will also be closed for the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 28th.

Changes to Public Computers Coming Soon

Beginning May 16th, 2012 Vineyard Haven Public Library will be using EnvisionWare software to manage public computers and printing at the library. This software will ensure equitable access to VHPL public computers, and help the library more responsibly manage its resources.

One-hour computer sessions will no longer start and end on the hour -- library patrons may start a session whenever a computer is available. Library users may reserve a computer and pay for printouts at a convenient self-service kiosk (cash only). Reservations may still be made one day in advance at the library.

Patrons will need to bring their CLAMS card with them to use the one-hour computers and printers. Guest passes will be available for visitors to access to the 30-minute computers.

The EnvisionWare software manages time and printing, but does not record Internet usage or other work done on the computer. At the end of the day, all patron data is deleted.

The library will be CLOSED on Wednesday May 16th for the software installation and staff development. 

Art in the Stacks: Alida O’Loughlin, "Moments of Light"

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are pleased to present "Moments of Light", an exhibit of photographs by Alida O’Loughlin. The exhibit will be on display during regular library hours througout the month of May.

Alida O’Loughlin came to professional photography late in life. She was early 70’s when she showed for the first time any of the photographs she had taken in the course of her lifetime - time spent on demanding careers while raising three children by herself. She is self- taught and uses a simple non-digital camera.

In 2003 she won first prize for Professional Photography in both the Landscape and the Seascape category at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair.

Alida grew up in Holland, close to the North Sea, “where” she states,” there was always a special interplay between the sky, the clouds, the wind, the water and whatever sunlight might bring shadows”. She now lives and works on Martha’s Vineyard where many of her more recent photographs are taken.


"Art in the Stacks" is an initiative of the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library, to provide individual artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art at the library throughout the year.