User Guide

System Overview

mConsole is a robust software system that helps small to medium sized libraries manage their public workstations. Patrons are assigned a timed session on a workstation. When the time expires, the patron is signed out and the workstation is made available for the next patron. Patron print jobs are held until staff members release them to the printer.

mconsole consists of three programs:

   1. The Console, for monitoring and control.
   2. The Engine, for public computers that are being monitored.
   3. The Waiting List, to automate the signup and session management.

When using mConsole, public workstations will always be in one of four states:

   1. Unlocked-the workstation is being monitored but is completely available for use.
   2. Locked-the workstation keyboard and mouse are locked and the Locked Workstation and the Locked Workstation Instructions are displayed. Locked workstations are ready to have a session assigned to them.
   3. In Session-the workstation is in a timed session which begins with the Acceptable Use Policy' being displayed, acceptance of those terms, and finally the remainder of the session where the patron is using the computer. A session timer is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen showing the time left in the session.
   4. Unknown-the workstation is checking in with the system.

Workstations move in and out of the four states as the system is used. Staff members monitor and control the system via the Console Program. Optionally, sessions can be automatically assigned using the waiting list. The system can be configured to hold all patron print jobs until a staff member releases them, giving the staff members an opportunity to collect printing fees before the job is printed.

The Console

The Console software can be installed on as many computers as needed. The Console is used by staff members to monitor and control public workstations. The console software has three major functions:

   1. Monitor and control timed sessions
   2. Monitor and control timed sessions
   3. Monitor and control printing jobs