Technology FAQs

  • General Questions

    We offer Technology Help by phone, chat or email. You can visit the Technology Help page anytime for resources, tech tips and more. You can find this page under the Services menu at the top of any page, then under Technology column you'll find Technology Help.

    Looking for help using your favorite library resource? Niche Academy, opens a new window has ready-to-use tutorials for resources such as OverDrive, Kanopy, hoopla and more.

    Curious about the technology available through the library? Browse all the non-traditional items available to you.

    Yes! As an Arapahoe Libraries card holder, you have access to many subscription services. Look under "Research" on the main navigation bar then select "Online Learning Courses, opens a new window" to find a list of the resources we offer.

     

     

  • 3D Printing

    A 3D printer is a machine that creates a physical object based on digital renderings by "printing" layers upon layers with filament. Every Arapahoe Libraries location has a 3D printer, opens a new window, so come discover this fascinating technology! 

    We invest in emerging technologies to give you the chance to interact and learn about them in an environment that is objective and free of a sales pitch. Read our Technology Mission Statement, opens a new window for the whole story.

    Every Arapahoe Library has a Prusa i3 MK3S+ and offers 3D printing services. Check out our 3D Printing Services, opens a new window for more information on how to get started.

    It’s all free!

  • Computer and Internet Services

    Computers are available for use in 30-minute time blocks during library open hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Time can be extended if no one is waiting to use a computer.

    You bet! You can use the Wireless Printing Service, opens a new window website to send a print job from a library computer, your laptop or any other personal device to a library printer.

    Read this blog on wireless printing for more details.

    The Arapahoe Library District provides free access to internet computers for all ages. These computers comply with the internet safety requirements outlined in the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Colorado State Law on Internet Protection in Public Libraries (CRS 24-90-601 etc.).

    Please be aware that no filtering system is infallible and the Arapahoe Library District does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of its internet filters.

    We are always willing to work in partnership with you to help guide your child in the safe use of the internet. Library staff can direct you to child-appropriate websites and help you find resources with tips for parents and children on how to surf the web safely. Please remember that ultimately, you are responsible for your child's use of the internet in the library.

    Read more about our internet policies on our Privacy Guidelines page, opens a new window.

    Patrons can check out available Chromebook laptop computers from library locations. You can place a hold on a Chromebook using your library card using the Arapahoe Libraries catalog.

    Library Chromebook laptop computers have built-in internet access, therefore, no Wi-Fi or hotspot is needed.

    The software on computers available for public use includes:

    • Adobe Acrobat Pro
    • Edge Browser
    • Google Chrome
    • iTunes
    • Microsoft Office Standard 2016 (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, OneNote, Publisher)
    • Microsoft OneDrive
    • VLC Media Player

    Yes! Each library offers WiFi, free of charge, for internet use on personal devices. The network name is "LibraryPublicWifi" and there is no password needed to connect.

    Try our outdoor WiFi hotspots, now available at all Arapahoe Libraries.

    Please be aware that Cookies and Javascript must be enabled to get past the splash screen. Ask a staff member or call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279) if you need assistance. For more information about using the internet at the library please review our Privacy Guidelines, opens a new window.

    You can save information on a library computer during your session, but all information will be removed after your session ends. For more information review Computer Use Information, opens a new window.

  • The Digital Media Stations

    A Digital Media Station, opens a new window is a space with equipment for you to convert your old media to a digital format or create new digital media.

    • VHS tapes → DVD or digital file
    • 8mm/Super 8 film → digital file (MP4)
    • Vinyl records (33, 45, or 78 rpm) → CD or digital file
    • 8mm, Hi8 and Digital8 camcorder tapes → DVD or digital file
    • VHS-C tapes → DVD or digital file
    • Audio cassette tapes → CD or digital file
    • 35mm slides → digital file
    • Negatives → digital file
    • Old photos → digital file

    If you would like assistance, please schedule an appointment, opens a new window with a librarian.

    Some equipment can work with different media if you bring your own player. Discuss your project with a librarian, opens a new window to find out.

    If we can't help you digitize the format you have, we can help you find someone in the area who can.

    If you'll be converting media, bring your old media and something to store the digital files on. A flash drive of 16 GB should suffice for most projects.

    If you're bringing CDs and DVDs, bring a few more than you think you'll need just in case. If you subscribe to Cloud storage, this is also an option.

    Digital Media Station computers offer Adobe Creative Cloud, VLC Media Player, iTunes, Audacity, Roxio Easy CD & DVD Burning, Handbrake, Adobe Acrobat DC, EZ Vinyl Tape Converter,ElGato Video Capture, Epson Scan.

    Audio and film media convert in real time. For instance, if your VHS tape is 90 minutes long, it will take 90 minutes to digitize.

    Slides, negatives and photos take roughly one minute per image to digitize, but this estimate can vary widely based on your settings. 

    For 8mm and Super 8 films the digitization time varies depending on the length of the reel. A 3-minute film reel takes approximately 20 minutes to digitize. A seven inch full reel of film can take between 3–4 hours to digitize. Ask a librarian about options when digitizing seven inch reels.

  • The Makerspace

    From inspiration to project consultations, we offer a variety of tools, techniques, and classes that will help you gain new skills, knowledge, and the confidence you need to execute any project. Visit the Makerspace Page, opens a new window for more information on equipment, hours, and how to get started.

  • Mobile App

    After you download ArapApp, you will need to enter your library username or barcode and your 4-digit PIN to login. This is the same information you would use to access your account on the website.

    Please contact us if you'd like help.

    The mobile app will allow you to do all of the following:

    • Manage your account—check due dates, place holds, add items to your shelves, pay fees, etc.
    • Search for an item in the library catalog
    • Check out library materials or place them on your For Later shelf using the camera on your mobile device
    • Check out and download eBooks and other digital materials
    • Scan barcodes of materials you'd like to check for in the library collection using the camera on your mobile device
    • View the newest items in the library collection
    • and best of all...

    The app also functions as your library card!

    With the app open, you can tilt your phone to the side to display a digital version of your library card. This can be used for check out in any Arapahoe Library location. As long as you have your phone, you'll never be without your card again!

  • Technology Help

    You can find eBooks and other downloadable content by visiting our Virtual Library, opens a new window page located under the "Browse the Library" tab. You can also check out eBooks and eAudiobooks directly through the catalog.

    Some content may be returned early, but it varies based on the service you're using. 

    Find out how to return Overdrive titles, opens a new window. Kindle books from Overdrive may be returned early through Amazon.

    For hoopla titles, you can click the 'Return Now' button located at the bottom of the title on the title information page. Use this to manage your device storage and remove content you are finished with. Please note that returning a title early does not give users additional borrows for that month.

    Visit the Virtual Library page, opens a new window to find links to different library services and read more on their sites. Contact us, opens a new window if you'd like help.

    OverDrive has one of the largest collections of digital media. Watch this tutorial video, opens a new window to learn more or visit their website for help getting started, opens a new window.

    Still have questions? Contact us.

    Arapahoe Libraries has a daily budget that limits the total number of hoopla titles that can be borrowed by all patrons. Once the daily limit has been reached a message will appear regardless of whether you have used your individual monthly allowance of 20 checkouts. When you see this message, you will not be able to borrow any titles from hoopla until the daily reset occurs at midnight. Generally, the earlier in the day you access your hoopla account, the more likely you will succeed in checking out your desired title.

    Kanopy offers over 30,000 award-winning indie and foreign films, documentaries, classic movies and educational courses to stream on most any device! Watch this tutorial video, opens a new window to get started.

    Patrons get 40 tickets per month. Kanopy is available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku and Chromecast. If you need help downloading the app or streaming videos, check out their help page, opens a new window. 

    Still have questions? Contact us, opens a new window.

  • Technology to Borrow

    Tech you've checked out should be returned directly to staff and not to an inside or outside bookdrop. Technology placed in a bookdrop will result in a $15 fee.  

    It is the patron’s responsibility to remove personal content from all devices before returning them. If you need assistance, please see a staff member.

    Tech may be returned to any Arapahoe Library, opens a new window.

    Just like when checking out books, DVDs, CDs or other materials, parents are responsible for any items that may be damaged or lost by a child.

    Due to cataloging and processing requirements, we do not accept replacement items from patrons.