Technology upgrades in July
Upgrades to public access computers, printing services and Wi-Fi networks are coming to libraries across the Far North to enable a more efficient, user-friendly experience to library customers. The upgrades will start on 30 June 2025 and are expected to take a month, with minimal disruption to library services.
The upgrades will ensure council libraries continue to offer modern, high-quality, and reliable technology to customers and will result in faster Wi-Fi, more efficient computers, and improved printing services. There will also be cost savings over the next few years and the changes will enable flexibility to respond quickly to evolving technology.
Far North Libraries will remain open during the technology transition. While the upgrades may result in some disruption to public access computer, Wi-Fi, and printing services, library staff will be working hard to minimise instances of slower Wi-Fi or brief outages where they occur. Significant disruptions will be communicated in advance on the libraries’ Facebook pages where possible.
You can read the full news story here.
Q: What exactly is being upgraded?
A: We are upgrading our public access computers, our libraries' Wi-Fi networks, and our printing services to provide you with faster and better resourced service.
Q: Why have you decided to make this change?
A: These upgrades will ensure our libraries continue to offer modern, high-quality, and reliable technology for our communities. The result will be better Wi-Fi, more efficient computers, and improved printing—enhancing your overall library experience. As well as providing cost savings over the next few years, upgrading this technology is a customer-focused solution that enables us more flexibility to respond quickly to the ever-changing digital world.
Q: When will these upgrades take place?
A: The upgrades will be completed throughout July 2025.
Q: Will the library be closed during the upgrades?
A: Our libraries will remain open. However, these upgrades may result in some disruption to our computer, Wi-Fi, and printing services. We will do our best to minimise this.
Q: What kind of service disruption might occur?
A: You might experience a slower Wi-Fi response from time to time. As we upgrade our computers there could be periods of limited access or brief outages with our printing services. We will alert library users if this does occur during the upgrade. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our services.
Q: How will I know when specific services (like Wi-Fi or computers) might be unavailable?
A: Please look for regular updates on our Facebook pages and in the libraries. We aim to communicate significant disruptions in advance. Please ask our team if you are not sure.
Q: Will the new computers be different? What improvements can I expect?
A: The new computers look different from the Chrome books and Chrome stations we are moving away from. Our new HP computers will run Microsoft Windows software, offering better performance and a more efficient user experience. This change allows the potential inclusion of software such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, once the implementation is complete.
Q: Will you still have laptops?
A: We will still provide access to laptops. However, based on how often the current systems are used, the number of laptops offered will be reduced in some locations.
Q: Will the Wi-Fi password change after the upgrade?
A: Yes, the Wi-Fi network name and password will change. Once the change is complete, we will make these details available to library users.
Q: Will printing costs or procedures change?
A: There will be no changes to printing costs. Our new system will enable you to print from your device and do your own photocopying and scanning. Our ‘monitor print’ email address will still be available but the address will change. Once the change is complete, we will make these details available to library users.
Q: Who can I ask if I have questions or need help during the upgrade period?
A: Our friendly library staff are always here to help! Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions in person, or you can contact us via our email address libraries@fndc.govt.nz
Q:Will I still be able to use the computers with a guest pass, and what about using our library card to login?
A: Yes, we will still have guest passes to use for access. We are currently investigating the possibility of using a library card login and will communicate any change to this to our library users.
Q: Will there be any training available once the new systems are fully operational?
A: Yes. The new system is very user-friendly and is more tailored to our district. Our staff will be available to assist you with the new systems.
Q: Will these upgrades impact other library services, like borrowing books or events?
A: No. These upgrades are focused on our public computers, Wi-Fi, and printing facilities. Other core library services like borrowing books, attending programmes, or accessing physical collections should remain unaffected.