Additional Computer Resources @ Your Library

In addition to free public Internet access, the Rock Island Library offers a number of other computer resources for your convenience. They include: 

Mobile Computer Lab: Organizations that would like to add a high-tech element to training and presentations may reserve a Mobile Computer Lab Cart. Eight laptop computers connected to the library's WiFi router are available for organizations that want to lead students through Internet-based programs, run a group PowerPoint presention, or conduct training on Microsoft Office suite applications.

Groups must provide their own trainer, materials and technical expertise. The Mobile Computer Lab is available for use in the Main Library's Community Room. It may not be taken off-site.

To reserve the Mobile Computer Lab, call the Business Office at 732-7305 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Extended Hour Computer Lab at Main Library: The Main Library offers a separate computer lab for patrons who require extended time for submitting job applications, conducting specialized research, searching databaes or other time-consuming applications.  The Computer Lab is also the site of walk-in workshops every Wednesday. Basic Internet classes are available at 9 a.m. Creating a Resume Using Word is offered at 11 a.m.

The lab is open by appointment during daytime hours. For information, contact the Reference Desk at 732-7341.

Book Club Kits

Book Club Kits

Computer Classes

E-mail, World Wide Web, browsers, icons, mouse, double-clicking — the terms themselves can be confusing. What do they all mean? How does it all work? What is the Internet and how can I make it work for me? How can I create a resume?

The Rock Island Public Library can help you with questions such as these. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff can give you one-on-one instruction to help you unlock the secrets of the Internet. The Main Library is now offering regularly scheduled training sessions in the new Computer Lab. One-hour Basic Internet Workshops are offered every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. One-hour Resume Workshops are offered every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. - 12 noon. To participate, patrons should go to the Main Library Reference Desk and tell the librarian that you are waiting for your chosen workshop. The Internet Workshops are free and offered on a walk-in basis. Reservations or advance sign-ups are not required.

The Basic Internet overview will discuss search engines and search techniques, setting up free e-mail accounts and attaching graphics, how to download a graphic to your computer, and other basic methods of getting around on the World Wide Web.

The Resume Workshop will offer help creating a resume using the resume wizard in Microsoft Word™.

Computer Policy

 We currently have two no login word processing computers set up with word processing and spreadsheet programs.
 We have only PC compatible computers.  We do not have Macintosh. We do not have typewriters.
 Public Internet Access is available at the Main Library and the branches.

In order to use our PCs . . .

• You must have your library card with you if you are a patron of a PALS member library. When you log in you must first consent to our User Agreement. This is part of the log-in procedure. Users of Visitors Passes must also consent to the User Agreement each time they log in. Parents/guardians MUST sign the User Agreement giving permission for their children under the age of 18 years to use the Internet.
• Computer use is on a “first come, first served” basis. There are no reservations.
• You may bring your own diskettes or flash drives to use on the Word Processor computers, if you are going to save your data. Flash drives may be purchased at the Circulation Desk where you may check for prices and availability. If you need assistance in using your drive, please ask the Reference Librarian on duty. Storage drives are not accessible on the Internet computers, and we do not allow anyone to save data to our computers’ hard drives.
• You must use only the software installed on our machines. You will not be allowed to run any other programs on our computers, or install anything to our hard drives.
• Instant Messaging, Chat Rooms, and Internet Games are prohibited. Those who violate this policy may be banned from using the library’s Internet computers.
• Cost of printing is 25¢ per sheet, whether or not you bring your own paper. This is to offset the cost of the paper and printer ink. The patron is responsible for all printed sheets which he/she prints. The library is not responsible for misprints.
• Internet Computer time is limited to 1 hour per day with a PrairieCat library card and ½ hour per day with a Visitor’s pass.
• Computers are automatically logged off 10 minutes before the library closes.
• If you have been banned or blocked, you cannot use the Internet computers at the Rock Island Public Library—either at the Main Library or at any of its branches.

The Library does not have any kind of office software to loan or check out to patrons.

Genealogy Links

Genealogy Links   [Click on the links below to do research on your family tree.] National Archives Genealogy Page [Click Picture]   HeritageQuest Online—A Premier Genealogy Tool ◎   If you are in a Rock Island library, Click Here.                      ◎   If you are at your home or outside computer, Click Here. Rock Island and Illinois Resources Rock Island County Illinois Genealogical Society — The Society collects materials to preserve and perpetuate members' ancestral records, and the ancestral records of our county to illustrate the history of the Rock Island County area. The Society's collection includes family histories, county histories, cemetery, marriage, birth and death indexes, local census records, state census records, and various county and state historical society quarterlies. Their collection is housed at the Rock Island County Historical Society. Rock Island County Historical Society — Since 1905 the RICHS has collected, preser4ved, and disseminated the history of Rock Island County, including its businesses, people, neighborhoods, events, and families. The research library holds a collection of photographs, postcards, maps, vertical files, local history books, cemetery indexes, family histories, city directories, DAR records, yearbooks, war wall rolls from the War of 1812 to WWII. In microfilm, the library has local censuses from 1830-1920, agriculture census from 1850-1880, and newspapers: The Dispatch, Reynolds Press, Workman, Gazette Van, Port Byron Globe, and East Moline Herald. The library holds the Milan Independent, Rock Island Union, and Argus from 1850-2008 in print form, as well as the Rock Island County Illinois Genealogical Society collection. Scott County Iowa Genealogy Resources — Links and information for Iowa genealogy researchers posted by the Scott County Recorder’s Office Genealogy Trails — An independent group of volunteers who transcribe historical and genealogical data for the free use of all researchers. Illinois Genealogy Trails — Providing free Illinois history and genealogy data.  Includes county, state, and military information. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library — The library collection includes a variety of resources, such as family genealogies, county histories, plat books, and microfilm of state newspapers. Illinois State Archives — The holdings of the Archives contain records of state and local government agencies that provide genealogical information. Especially helpful for genealogists are online databases created by the Archives, including a statewide death index (1916-1950), databases of Illinois veterans, and the  Illinois Statewide Marriage Index (1763-1900). Illinois State Genealogical Society — The Society’s site provides links to their projects and publications, as well as to other records and resources throughout Illinois, including individual genealogical home pages. The ILGenWeb Project — This site is Illinois’contribution to the USGenWeb Project. Its goal is to provide everything you ever wanted to know about Illinois genealogy, Illinois history, life in Illinois, and Illinois in the Civil War. The site includes a variety of genealogy research aids.   For a detailed list of Illinois Genealogy Resources, click on the following link to our ILLINOIS  GENEALOGY  LINKS page. Quad Cities Information ! Marriage and Obituary Indexes for Davenport, IA and Scott County Genealogy for Beginners Beginning Your Genealogical Research — The National Archives and Records Administration offers tips for people new to genealogical research. NARA also provides information on using their resources, such as census records. RootsWeb's Guide to Tracing Family Trees — Here you can find ideas about where and how to begin discovering your ancestry.  It includes free downloadable charts and forms in pdf format.  There are several book suggestions at the bottom of the web page.   General Resources Ancestry.com — According to Ancestry.com, they offer access to over 1 billion names in over 3,000 unique databases, including Social Security, military, and immigration records. Must be used at a library computer either at the Main Library or at one of Rock Island's Branches. RootsWeb.com — RootsWeb, now a part of Ancestry.com, is an online community for genealogists. In addition to interactive guides and research tools for genealogy, the site includes a registry of nearly one million surnames submitted by online genealogists.  Some of its features and services are free. FamilySearch Internet Genealogical Service — Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, this site provides a database that allows users to search for their ancestors in various genealogical resources. Association of Professional Genealogists — If you don’t want to or cannot do this yourself, you can seek assistance from professional genealogists. They will charge from $30 - $60 an hour for their services. Census Online — Links to Online Census Records. Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System — An excellent source of Civil War service records for both North and South. The Ellis Island Web Site — Search passenger arrival records. HeritageQuest Online -- Genealogy research tools available for use outside the library.  Requires a Rock Island Library card number to log in. Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild — Passenger lists of early ships that came to America bringing your ancestors! USGenWeb Project — The Project is the creation of volunteers with the goal of providing sites for “genealogical research in every county and every state of the United States.” The site provides links to state sites, which then list county sites. The site also provides links to national genealogical projects sponsored by the group. The USGenWeb Census Project — 2.7 gigabytes of transcribed census data on-line. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Information about the Immigration and Naturalization Historical Reference Library, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security. Nationwide Veteran's Gravesite Locator — Search for burial locations of veterans and their dependants in military cemeteries. The WorldGenWeb Project — Free research guidance from this world-wide network of volunteer genealogists! GenealogyToday.com — GenealogyToday.com keeps track of new genealogy sites and services. It also includes name queries, research tips, articles, and search tools. Helm’s Genealogy Toolbox — The Genealogy Toolbox has a large directory of genealogical links, as well as genealogical software profiles, search engines, and articles. Cyndi’s List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet — This is a comprehensive index to nearly 150,000 genealogy-related sites on the Internet. Social Security Death Index — The SSDI lists names of American citizens (with Social Security numbers) who have died since 1962. The more detailed information you have for your search, the more likely you will find the person you are looking for. Basic information is free at this site. For a fee, the Social Security Administration will send you a copy of the individual’s Social Security number application form.  WorldCat -- Enter a zip code and find that book you're looking for in the library nearest to you.   Specialized Resources AfriGeneas — AfriGeneas is a source for African American genealogy research. It includes research resources and message boards related to genealogical topics. JewishGen — This site is a general resource for Jewish genealogy research. JewishGen provides discussion boards, databases, and special projects, like the Holocaust Global Registry.

Illinois Genealogy Links

The links on this page will give special help to genealogical researchers looking for their family roots through Illinois resources.

  HeritageQuest Online—A Premier Genealogy Tool
◎   If you are in a Rock Island library, Click Here.
◎   If you are at your home or outside computer, Click Here.

Internet Policies

 The RIPL Internet Policy is provided below.
 You must accept the User Agreement when you log in to a computer
 to be allowed further access.

The Internet is a global collection of computer networks that connects computers all over the world. Use of the Rock Island Public Library’s Internet computers provides patrons with access to the vast amount of information available through these connections.

While the Library offers pointers to a wide range of useful and interesting sites through its page, all Internet sites are accessible, some of which may contain inaccurate, controversial, and even offensive material. We firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on the worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may come across material that is erroneous, out of date, illegal, offensive, or controversial.

As with all other Library resources, it is the responsibility of the user to select or reject online information for his/her own use. Users are encouraged to exercise good judgment and discretion in their use of the Internet. The Library does not monitor, and has no control over, the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Library reserves the right to monitor patron use of the Internet.

As with other library materials, parents and legal guardians who are concerned about their children’s use of the Internet should provide guidance to their own children and should monitor their use of this resource. The Library does not act as parent. Only you have the right to define what material or information is consistent with your personal and family beliefs, and only you can apply these values for yourself and your children as you use the Library’s resources.

Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in suspension, and eventually cancellation, of this privilege.

Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:

Illegal acts involving Internet computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. The Library’s Rules of Conduct apply to the use of the Internet.

The Library’s staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits but cannot offer personal instruction. Reference staff is always available to help patrons locate books, periodicals, and videos about the Internet.

The signature or online acceptance of an Internet Use Policy User Agreement form is legally binding and indicates that the party who signed or agreed has read the terms and conditions of this policy and understands their significance.

Children under the age of 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian on the form.

Children under age 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian on the form. Children under the age of 9 must be supervised by an adult while using the Internet access computers, and children 12 years of age and under must use the Children’s Room computers. Adults may only use a Children’s Room computer while assisting a child. All patrons using the Internet must read and agree to the User Agreement in the library before use. Patrons under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the User Agreement.

Failure to comply with any of these rules may result in loss of Internet privileges at the Rock Island Public Library.

LearningExpress Library

The Rock Island Public Library subscribes to LearningExpressLibrary.com. This service will help patrons, students, and adult learners succeed on the academic or licensing tests required to qualify for entrance in a college or career. If you are planning to take any of the following examinations, practice with the Learning Express Library can help you to do your best on the test day.  Test and course resources are available for the following:

• ACT
• Advanced Placement
• ASVAB
• Basis Skills Success
• Business Writing Help Center
• Catholic High School
• Civil Service
• Cosmetology
• EMT/Paramedic
• ESL (Spanish) Skills Improvement
• FCAT
• Firefighter
• GED
• GMAT
• GRE
• Job & Career Help Center
• Law Enforcement
• LSAT
• Nurse Aide
• Postal Worker
• Real Estate
• SAT
• Skills Improvement Courses
• TASP
• Teacher Certification
• Technical and Career College Prep
• TOEFL
• US Citizenship

• Click on the icon or link to go to LearningExpressLibrary.com.
• Create your account. The first time you visit LearningExpressLibrary you will need to set up your account. Click on the “New User” button.
• Type in a Username. (Your Username must be the barcode  number found  on your Rock Island Library card. If you use any other Username or library card number, it will not work. You MUST have and use a Rock Island Library card if you wish to use this service.) Once you have set up your account, you can enter LearningExpressLibrary from any Internet-connected computer by clicking on the “Returning User” button.
• Type in and verify a Password of your own creation. (Your Password must be at least 9 characters in length using either letters or numbers.) You will want to write down your password and keep it in a safe place where you can find it if you should forget it.
• Click the “Continue” button to return to the main log-in page. Then you can log in with your Username (library barcode) and Password.
• Begin practice for the test of your choice. A “Help” button at the top of the page will take you to “Frequently Asked Questions” where you can find assistance or answers to many questions.
• Your scores are kept completely confidential in your own account. Only you can get to them. Neither the library nor any of its personnel have access to your account or to the information that it contains.
• Also Important: In order to use the practice tests you must have cookies enabled in your browser (i.e. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, etc.).
• If you are still having difficulty, you can ask a Rock Island librarian for further assistance.

Click here to go to the LearningExpressLibrary

Library Locations

How to Find Rock Island Public Library and Its Branches

Map for Rock Island Public Library — Main

Map for Rock Island Public Library — Southwest Branch

Map for Rock Island Public Library — 30/31 Branch

Our Magazines

Rock Island Public Library — Main
Periodicals

The Rock Island Public Library makes available a wide selection of magazines and newspapers for the use of our patrons. Current issues of magazines are kept on display racks near the study tables by the Circulation Desk on the main floor. Children’s magazines are kept in the Children’s Library on the lower level. Daily newspapers are available in the library’s Reference area.

Due to limitations of storage space, the library is only keeping the current year of the following magazines. Please note that the library’s magazine subscriptions are always changing as publishers go in and out of business and as patrons’ needs change. If you have trouble locating any of these items, ask a Reference Librarian for assistance.

Current issues of magazines are for in-library use and cannot be checked out.  Previous issues can be checked out.

Entries are listed alphabetically.
For magazines, click mouse pointer on a letter to go to that section.

Reference Resources

Helping you to find what you need to know...

The attached pages provide links to Internet web sites that can help you with your information searches.

Talking Books

WIFI

Rock Island’s Main Library (downtown) has Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) capability. Travelers, businesspeople, students, and residents who would like to read their e-mail or connect to the Internet can use the library as a hotspot. Users can log-in with their own computer devices, such as laptops, PDAs (handheld personal assistants), and some cell phones.

Hardware requirements: The library does not provide any wireless devices for public use. You must bring your own equipment. In order to use this wireless connection, your computer must have an add-on Wi-Fi certified radio card or come with built-in Wi-Fi capability. With your own laptop or other wireless equipment, you do not need to wait for an opening to use a public Internet computer or worry about the time limits that restrict the use of the library’s machines.

Locations in the library:  Wireless antennas are positioned throughout the main floor of the library and in the 2nd Floor Community Room. Wherever your location on the main floor or mezzanine, your laptop should be able to pick up a signal.
 

How to set up your connection:

1. Find a spot within the wireless signal range.
2. Insert the Wi-Fi card into your device.  [Examples include a laptop’s PCMCIA slot or USB port.]
3. Set your wireless LAN setting to SSID:RIFI  [Some cards will do this automatically.]
4. Wait patiently while the connection is made. This could take several minutes.
5. Launch your Internet browser and enter a URL.  [Your browser will likely be directed to the WIFI Welcome web page when you first make a complete connection. You can go anywhere on the Internet from there.]
6. Continue to your e-mail or desired web site.

The library’s wireless connection is a free service provided to our patrons by the City of Rock Island.

Where are other wireless internet locations?

~ Just click here, enter an address or zip code to search, and find the locations. ~