Events

Pharos: changing the way you access PCs, print and photocopy

Questions & Answers

Pharos is an automated computer booking system that provides access to bookable computers and manages printing and photocopying services. It is a convenient way to pay for:

  • Printing
  • Photocopying
  • Full internet access
  • Other library services and products

How does it work?

  1. You need to have a Pharos account. This will take a few minutes to set up at a customer service desk or at a Pharos Station.
  2. Money can be loaded onto your Pharos account at a customer service desk. Any credit on your library card or e-services card can be transferred to your Pharos account.
  3. Once you have a Pharos account you can book a PC at the library’s booking station. Bookings can be made up to 7 days in advance. We are unable to take telephone bookings.
  4. You will be asked to enter your username and PIN when printing, photocopying or using a bookable computer.
  5. Bookings are limited to 30* or 60 minutes.

* Some libraries will offer 30 minute express bookings.

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Questions and Answers

Accounts

How do I create an account?
If you have a library membership already, you can create an account yourself at a Pharos station. Otherwise, a librarian can create an account for you. Staff need to add money to your account for you.
I’m not a member of the library, but I want to use a computer/photocopier. Can I do this?
Yes, you can have a visitor account, which will be active for 14 days, or staff can assist you.
Can I get refunds of un-used money from my Pharos account?
No.
What happens to existing money on library cards/e-services cards?
This can be transferred into your Pharos account. A librarian can do this for you.
How do I pay for internet use, printing or photocopying?
Money will be deducted from your Pharos account to pay for internet, printing and photocopying as you require it.
Can I pay for other library products with money on my Pharos account?
Yes.
What if I forget my username or password?
Staff can reset your details. You will need to show them identification.
What if I have the same name and password as someone else?
On the Pay PCs - a message will say "please try again using your library card number OR see a librarian for assistance".
On the Pharos Station you will be prompted to enter library card number (Logon id).
Are there any restrictions to the amount I can put in my account?
There is no minimum amount to put in. The maximum amount you can load is $30.
How long do I have to transfer money from my old card, to a new Pharos account?
Until June 30, 2008.
Can I use someone else’s Pharos account?
All customers are responsible for the management of their Pharos account. For security reasons, Christchurch City Libraries discourages the sharing of accounts.
Will my account expire?
No, unless it is a visitor account. Visitor accounts expire after 14 days.
Can credit (or part thereof) on one customer's Pharos account be transferred on to another customer's account?
No.
What if I use more than one library, and one has Pharos installed and the other doesn’t?
If you use another library that doesn’t have Pharos installed at that time, you can still load money onto your library card or purchase an e-services card at that library. Staff can assist you.

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Bookings

How do I make a booking?
You can make a booking yourself in the library, at a Pharos station.
Can I make a booking online or by telephone?
No, bookings can only be made at the library you will be using.
Can I make a booking for one library at another library?
No.
Can I book in advance?
Yes, you can book up to 8 days in advance.
Can I make multiple bookings?
No, you need to complete your first booked session before you can make another booking.
How long can I book a PC for?
Bookings are for a maximum of 60 minutes, though some libraries will have a 30 minute option.
What happens if I am late for my booking?
After 10 minutes the computer will become available for other customers.
Do I pay at the time of booking?
No your booking is free. You pay for printing and full internet use during your time at the computer.
How do I know it is my turn on the computer?
It is up to you to monitor when a computer is ready for you. When your computer is available, your alias will be displayed on the screen of that computer. Some locations will also have a queue screen showing you this information.
How will I know when my time is running out?
You will be given a warning when you have 10 minutes to go and 2 minutes to go.
My time has run out and I didn’t save my work. What has happened to it?
You need to save your work before your session expires, or else it will be lost. Work can be saved on external devices such as a disk or USB stick drive. Disks are available to purchase at the library for $1.

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Printing / Photocopying

What if someone is using the photocopier when I want to get my printing?
You will need to wait. Your print job is loaded in a queue and is available for you to access when copying is finished.
What happens to a print job that I have forgotten to print?
It will be cleared after 24 hours. There is no charge for these jobs, but you wont be able to access them after 24 hours.
What happens when I leave my PC to collect some printing?
On a Pay PC you can lock your computer by pressing Ctrl Alt Del and selecting Lock. The computer will restart in 10 minutes if you don’t come back.
How do I pay for my printing?
You deduct money from your Pharos account to pay for printing as you require it.
Do I have to pay for every print job that I submit?
No. You can delete jobs that you do not require.
Can I print in colour?
Yes. This can be done from the print options at your computer. More about printing at our libraries.
Can I photocopy in colour or on A3?
Yes this can be done from the options on your photocopier. More about photocopying at our libraries.
Can I print double-sided?
Yes, all Pharos printers and copiers are capable of printing duplex.

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Equipment

What is the Pharos station?
All libraries will have a Pharos Station where you can manage your account, book a computer or print a document.
What is the queue station?
Some libraries will have a queue station which will display your position in the queue and estimated wait time.
What is different about the computers?
The same computing services are offered, but now we offer free Office on most computers. Computers offering full internet access will require you to login with your Pharos account.

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Background

What is the Pharos system?
Pharos is an automated computer booking system that provides the means for you to pay for printing, photocopying, full internet access and other library services and products from your Pharos account. Most libraries within the Christchurch City Libraries network have Pharos. The exceptions are Diamond Harbour, Little River and Mobile.
Why has Christchurch City Libraries changed to this system?
This system ensures everyone has equal access to computers at our libraries. In addition, Pharos provides more flexibility for you to schedule bookings to fit to your timetable.
When will these changes be taking place?
Pharos installation is now complete.
What has changed?
The same computing services are offered, but now we offer Office for free. You are now able to book a computer in advance.

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