Use Pharos to access library computers, print and photocopy
Questions and answers
Pharos is an automated computer booking system that provides customer access to computers, and manages printing and photocopying services. It is a convenient way to pay for:
- Printing
- Photocopying
- Other library services and products
How does it work?
- A Pharos account is automatically created using your library card number and PIN. If you don’t have a PIN please ask a librarian to set one up for you.
- Money can be loaded onto your Pharos account at a customer service desk using cash, EFTPOS or a credit card (Visa and MasterCard only). Your credit card can also be used to top up your Pharos account over the phone by contacting the library on 941-7923.
- Once you have a Pharos account you can book a library computer at the library’s booking station. We are unable to take telephone bookings.
- You will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN when printing, photocopying, or using a bookable computer.
- Bookings are limited to 30 minutes for a visitor and to a maximum of 120 minutes per day for a library member.
- Some libraries offer 15 minute express machines.
Questions and answers
Accounts
- 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 one day only.
- Can I get refunds of un-used money from my Pharos account?
- No.
- How do I pay for printing or photocopying?
- Money will be deducted from your Pharos account to pay for 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 PIN number or have forgotten my library card?
- Staff can assist. You will need to show them identification.
- 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 at a time is $30.
- 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 which is only valid on the date of issue.
- Can credit (or part thereof) on one customer's Pharos account be transferred on to another customer’s account?
- No.
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?
- No.
- 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 library computer for?
- Bookings are for a maximum of 60 minutes, though some libraries have shorter options available.
- What happens if I am late for my booking?
- After 5 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.
- 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 library card number 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. Rewritable CDs ($1.00) and 1 GB USB memory drives ($15.30) are available to purchase at the library.
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?
- 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.
Equipment
- What is the Pharos station?
- All libraries will have a Pharos Station where you can manage your account, book a computer.
- What is the queue station?
- Some libraries will have a queue station which will display your position in the queue and estimated wait time.
Background
- What is the Pharos system?
- Pharos is an automated computer booking system that provides the means for you to pay for printing, photocopying 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 does Christchurch City Libraries use this system?
- This system ensures everyone has equal access to computers at our libraries.
