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 the waiting list
   3. Monitor and control printing jobs

(Screen Layout picture here)

Session Management

Changing a Public Workstation's State Using The Console

To Use the system efficiently, you should be familiar with the four states that a public workstation can be in, and how to use the Console to change a workstation's state. Once the system is up and running you should practice the following technique to make sure you are comfortable with the process.

As with most Windows programs, there are multiple ways to accomplish a particular task. You will undoubtedly find a method that works best for you. One of the easiest methods of operating the console software is to right click on a workstation (or a collection of workstations) and select the desired function from context menu that pops up. Commands that affect the state of the workstation, and most other commands as well, give you a confirmation screen that lists the workstations being affected and the command that is being executed. You have the option to cancel the command before sending it off to the workstations.

Locking a workstation is now trivial:

   - Right click on the workstation
   - Select Lock from the context menu that pops up
   - Confirm that you want to do it

Unlocking a workstation follows the same pattern.

Starting a session on a workstation is the same procedure, but there are more options on the confirmation screen that are detailed below.

Starting a Session Using The Console

To start a session on a workstation, right click on the workstation's icon and select Start Session from the context menu that pops up. The following confirmation dialog will pop up (picture of session start here)

The dialog should be filled in as follows:

   - Minutes: the length of the session in minutes
   - Guest: highlight if patron doesn't have an account
   - Login: put the patrons login information in here
   - First/Last: the patrons first and last name
   - Blank Box: put any additional information here
   - Normal Setup: closes previous programs and caches when the new session starts

Extending a session follows a similar path. To extend a session, right click on the workstation and select Extend Session from the context menu. from there you can select the number of minutes you wish to extend the session.

It's important to understand all of the fields on the start and extend session dialog. Even if you are planning on using automatic session assignment, it is important to know how to use the dialog. There will certainly be times where you will want to quickly add or extend a session using the console.