Automate your library's public computers

Userful has everything you need to ensure your public computers run smoothly and your staff isn't pulling out their hair. It's easy with self-service and automation for your patrons and hands-off tools for your staff.

Our goal is to turn public computing into an appliance: you plug it in, it runs, and you forget about it! Learn more about how Userful Desktop can improve your managed computing experience in our demo videos.

Time management

Userful's countdown clock times user's sessions, warns them when the session is about to end and logs the user out. If you wish to have Userful integrate against your ILS, there are two additional time management options: Usage Tracker and Pre-Book.

Usage Tracker

The Usage Tracker add-on coordinates every Userful Desktop™ (formerly DiscoverStation) in a library to ensure that each user gets no more than a predefined time allotment. You can ensure equitable computer access for all patrons without purchasing an extra server. Once a user's time has been used he or she cannot get back on a workstation without staff approval.

Pre-Book™ Reservation System

Pre-Book is a full featured, open source, PC booking reservation system. Patrons can book time on a station from home, office, school or using a walk-up booking at the library itself. Policy settings ensure that the library retains full control over usage.

Pre-Book supports both Userful Desktop and Windows® PCs. It runs on a separate server. Features include:

Pre-Book is available as a free download for both the server software and Windows client software. If you need help integrating Pre-Book with an external authentication system (such as your library automation system or LDAP) you can purchase integration or commercial support.

Please note: Due to the comprehensive nature of the Userful Desktop support package, a commercial support contract is required when using Pre-Book in conjunction with Userful Desktop.

Control how and what to charge for printing

Userful's print control features reduce unnecessary print output and allows you to recover printing costs.

Userful Desktop has a configurable print cost control dialog box built in. When a user prints from any application, Userful Desktop calculates and displays print-job costs for the user's approval before paper and time are wasted. This pop-up can also display custom messages like instructions on how to retrieve and pay for their printout. Receipts can optionally be included with the print job.

Userful also offers two add-on options. The first is a print queue management option that holds print jobs until a staff member releases them. This ensures no printouts are made until they are paid for. Our section add on is a coin/bill or card payment system that makes your print cost recovery program entirely self-service for patrons. They approach the print payment kiosk, select their print out and pay for the job.

Userful's print control can be used in conjunction with virtually all printers and will minimize frustrations--both patrons' and yours--by reducing wasted time and consumables.

Contact your Userful account manager today to find out how Userful's print options will enhance the experience of your library patrons and staff.

DiscoverAssist remote management portal

Userful's DiscoverAssist allows your help desk and support staff to monitor and control all Userful Desktops in any location. It's accessed with a web browser using any Internet-connected computer.

From a simple and secure web-based interface, authorized staff can:

• add or subtract time to one or more stations
• send messages to alert users
• log stations in and out
• view station status and time remaining
• view basic status and usage reports about the entire Userful Desktop system

Full control enables staff to work more efficiently and avoid conflict by being able to remotely monitor and control Userful Desktops without actually being there.

Advanced users can also remotely perform technical support and troubleshooting tasks such as starting and stopping services and rebooting central computer boxes. They can easily run other diagnostic and administrative commands.

Features/Benefits:

• Secure, password-protected and encrypted interface - only authorized users can interact with stations
• Intuitive web-based portal - manage any Userful Desktop in your organization remotely over the Internet in real time
• Common actions and status all on one screen - complete control without becoming a system administrator
• Administrate stations in real time - see and resolve problems as they arise

Contact your Userful representative today to find out more about how DiscoverAssist can ease your public computing management burden.

Filtering control

Userful Desktop's intelligent Internet filtering combines a comprehensive URL database with intelligent keyword filtering. Add your own custom settings and rules to create a unique filter that meets your needs. Userful Desktop can also integrate with your existing filtering solution.

• Administrators can create and customize many levels of filtering through the web portal
• Adults and children can have different levels of filtering
• Staff can turn off the filter for an individual patron with a simple keystroke and password
• Userful Desktop's Internet filters are CIPA-compliant
• Filtering also includes the "walled garden" feature limiting browsing to a predefined list of websites--ideal for kids stations or OPAC stations.

Automating tedious filtering tasks is yet another of Userful Desktop's time and resource saving features.

Patron Authentication

Userful Desktop can be integrated with your library management system, allowing you to monitor and control access and usage. Userful has worked with libraries across North America to ensure that Userful Desktop integrates well with major library systems: SirsiDynix, Innovative, GEAC, TLC, Polaris and Endeavor. Userful supports standard protocols including SIP, SIP2, LDAP and NCIP.

The Patron Authentication module allows you to limit access to users in good standing with a valid library card and allows you to force children into filtered Internet sessions.

Patron Authentication can be combined with Userful's Usage Tracker or Pre-Book to enforce daily per-patron time limits and allow advanced reservations.

Sell guest Internet access with prepaid cards

We offer several ways to allow non-library members to access yourpublic computers. If you include ILS integration with your purchase, you can sell prepaid cards, which Userful provides, in either $5 or $10 denominations. It makes dealing with out-of-town visitors easy while generating revenue for yourlibrary.

You can use Pre-Book if you choose to have Patron Authentication but wish to offer non-library card holders free access. It generates temporary access numbers, you can store "Guest Barcodes" in your ILS database, or your front desk services staff can use DiscoverAssist's remote login feature.