Computer and wifi use
On this page you will find all information about Wi-Fi and computer use in the OBA. In the OBA, everyone can make use of free Wi-Fi and workplaces without a computer. The use of the computers (including internet) is free for OBA members, while non-members do have to pay for this.
Wifi at the OBA
OBA visitors can use Wi-Fi in the OBA for free on their own phone, tablet or laptop. It works like this:
Request a Publicroam account (via your own network or on a public PC of the OBA). You do this by downloading the Publicroam app for Android or Apple. Don't want an app? You can also register by entering your details here. You will then receive a text with an activation code.
Next, in the OBA, choose the ‘Publicroam’ network under your Wi-Fi settings.
Need help? Ask one of the OBA employees on site. Flyers with instructions are also available at our branches.
- Convenient is the fact that you can also use free Wi-Fi in a large number of other places in the city, including at all district offices of the municipality of Amsterdam, with the same Publicroam account. An overview of all locations can be found on www.publicroam.nl.
- Note: to use publicroam, you need a mobile number.
- You can find an explanation for each device at www.publicroam.nl/support.
How does the computer work?
Would you like to use the computer at the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA)? Here’s how it works:
- Are you an OBA member? If so, using a computer is completely free. Log in to a computer and enter the number of your OBA card and your password. At OBA Oosterdok (central library), you can use a computer for three hours a day, free of charge. At other branches, you can use a computer for one hour a day, free of charge.
- Are you an OBA member? If so, you can buy a voucher at the payment terminal. Log in to a computer with the voucher number (EAP) and corresponding password of your voucher.
- NB: You cannot log in and out in between. You pay per half hour. However, you can pause the work session for 15 minutes using the “block” button at the top of the screen.
What can you do on this computer?
On this computer, you can:
- Reserve a book
- Surf the Internet
- Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Paint and/or Adobe Reader
- Play videos with VLC media playerUse the following databases: Music and Filmweb and Pressreader. These databases can be used for free – either partly or completely
Can I save files on this computer?
You can save files:
- On your own USB
- In the cloud, e.g. on Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox
- By emailing your file to yourself or to someone else
NB: it is not possible to save the files in a folder on this computer.
Privacy
What should you do when you are finished using the computer? When you end the session or log off, all your data will be deleted. So make sure you save any data you want to keep before logging off.
OBA PC subscription
Did you know that you can also take out an OBA PC subscription? You cannot borrow books with this membership, but you can use the PCs in the OBA.
read more about the OBA PC subscription
Unfortunately, neither a voucher nor an OBA card guarantee an available computer or workplace. The OBA works on the basis of a best efforts obligation. No rights can be derived from the fact that the use of internet and Wi-Fi is subject to a fee. Also read the General Terms and Conditions for the use of Wi-Fi at the OBA.