Computers, Technology and WiFi

Computers and I.T. in Tameside Libraries

Use a PC for Free

All of our libraries have PCs for you to use.

Library members can use the internet free of charge for up to one hour per day. Charges apply for additional use of the internet by members, internet use by non-members, and printing. If you are not a Library member it is easy to join and membership is free. Find out how to join the library.

Booking is easy, call in, or call us.

Please read Tameside Libraries internet acceptable use policy and the Childnet website has a wide range of resources for a variety of audiences to help and advise on all aspects of internet safety.

We have MS Office Suite on all our PCs, which means you can instantly give your letters, assignments or CV that professional look. Why not create a spreadsheet for your household accounts or those of your local club or design a poster to promote your fund-raising event? Using PCs for Office applications is free for everyone. 

Now you really don't have any excuse to feel left behind with the new technology. So go on, get online Tameside Libraries.
 

Need Help? Get TechKnow

Ask our library staff if you need some help, they can often get you started or sort something out if you get stuck.

If you feel that you need some more support then Tameside TechKnow is here to help you, Whether you are starting from the very basics or need help getting to grips with something in particular such as creating a presentation or learning to use your new laptop we can help.

You could sign up for a free Basic IT Skills Course or ask about TechKnow Buddies session in one of our libraries or get some information about other courses and support in Tameside.

 

Free WiFi

WiFi is available in all Tameside Libraries, please choose TMBC Public WiFi and follow the instructions to log your device on using Facebook, Twitter, Google or by text verification. You will need to log in again each time you come into the library.
 

• Please see the instructions on how to access free WiFi in Tameside Libraries
• Samsung and Kindle Fire users - please download the instructions and start at the third page.
• WiFi Acceptable Use Policy - please be aware of current policies relating to the use of both the public access computers and the Wi-Fi access service in Tameside Libraries.

There are spaces to charge your device at Ashton Library and different types of study environments, please speak to a member of staff if you need any assistance. 

 

Print Scan Copy

Printing and Photocopying

Printing is available from all PCs in our Computer Centres, and whilst it is not possible to print from your own device at the present time, we can often help you to find the item you need online and help you to print or to print from your own email account so you will need your email password. Printers are also self-service and coin operated.

All our self-service photocopiers are coin operated, so it's a good idea to have the correct change. Please ask the library staff if you need any help using the photocopiers.

All libraries in Tameside offer printing and photocopying which is charged the following rates.

• A4 Black and White 14p
• A3 Black and White 24p
• A4 Colour 68p
• A3 Colour (photocopy only) £1.32

Self-Service printing and photocopying is now available at our Libraries during Open+ via coin operated machines. Please note that the machine cannot give change. 
 

Scanning

Scanners are available at most Tameside Libraries, there is no charge to use this service, but you will need your library card to use the computer and scanner. If you are not a library member, please speak to a member of staff to see how we can help you.

Once you have scanned your items you will be able to print out the document, upload to a website or attach it to an email. If you need to save documents you would need to bring a USB memory stick with you.

 

Please take a look at the list of Library contact details to see which libraries have a scanner.

     

Special Computers and 3D Printing

Special Computers

Tameside Libraries will be installing some new technology at Ashton Library in the near future. Please check again for further details.

 

3D Printer

Tameside Libraries now has an Ultimaker 2+ 3D printer housed at Ashton Library.
 

• Customers are able to submit a 3D design (as an .STL or .OBJ file) on an SD card or via email to information.direct@tameside.gov.uk
• Objects should have a minimum layer height of .2mm  and a maximum infill of 25%, please contact us if you require any further advice.
• We will then contact you to let you know how much your print will cost and wait for your confirmation before proceeding.
• We will let you know when the item is available for collection.
• Please see our full terms and conditions.

 

Prices:

 
The cost of a print is calculated as follows:
£1.18 per metre of material used (PLA)
plus 58p per hour or part thereof that the 3D printer is running
            e.g.     2 metres of material = £2.36
                        3 hour run time = £1.74
                        Total cost = £4.10

 

3D Printer Terms and Conditions

Tameside Libraries’ 3D printer is housed at Ashton Library and may be used only for lawful purposes. No one will be permitted to use Tameside Libraries’ 3D printer to create material that is:

• Prohibited by UK law.

• Unsafe, harmful, or dangerous 

• Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment.

• In violation of another’s intellectual property rights.

All print submissions are subject to approval based on staff time and availability. Tameside Libraries reserves the right to refuse a 3D print for any reason.

Tameside Libraries cannot guarantee a print time. Staff will try to provide an estimate based upon the print queue length.
Items not collected within 14 days of being printed may be disposed of. 

Items will be released on production of a Tameside Libraries card or other suitable ID and upon payment.

Items may have small surface defects, such as bumps or holes. These routine defects will not be cause for refund or lack of payment for the object.

While the 3D printer is very accurate, we will not guarantee any precise tolerances on fitting of multi-part objects.

Some objects require temporary support material to be printed. This material is easily removable and the user is responsible for removal.

Only designated Library staff will have access to the 3D printer. If staff are not available for printing there may be a delay in processing items.

     

Support to Get Online

Do you need help to get online?

Do you want to get online, but have no device or data? Do you struggle to use computers or the internet? Help is available at Tameside Libraries. Tameside Libraries can help people use computers, online tools and even get connectedvia free SIM cards. 

Not only can libraries help with access to IT facilities, they can assist with building confidence online. TechKnow Buddies offer one-to-one appointments to help with a particular I.T. question and there are free workshops for I.T. Beginners and those who want to improve their computer skills.

 

National Databank

Tameside Libraries are part of the Good Things Foundation National Databank, which can offer free SIM cards to people who do not have digital access. Residents will normally receive data for up to 6 months; support is possible for a maximum of 12 months.
 

Are you eligible to claim a free SIM card?

• Over 18 years old

• And from a low income household

You must also meet at least one of the following:-

• Have no access or insufficient access to the internet at home

• Have no or insufficient access to the internet away from the home

• Cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top up

To request a free SIM card please call into your local library, email Information.direct@tameside.gov.uk or call 0161 342 2031.

 

For further information contact: