Using Flash Drives on Library Computers

Patrons may use flash drives on the lab computers only. The security settings on the public Internet computers prevent the drives from being used with them.

Do not use patrons’ flash drives on the computers at the Information Desks as that would be a security risk to the library’s computer network.

A flash drive is a small, portable data storage device. Flash drives are also known as jump drives, thumb drives, pen drives, key drives or simply USB drives. Here are two examples:




They plug into USB ports that look like this:



On the Dells, the flash drive should be plugged into one of the ports on the side of monitor. On the Macs, the patron will need to ask the lab attendant for an extension cable, which will be kept at the lab desk.
The drive only goes in one way. Don’t force it. If it doesn’t go in easily, it may be upside down.

After the drive has been plugged in:
If a box appears that reads “This disk contains more than one type of content’, click Cancel.

On the Dells, go to the Start menu and select My Computer. The drive icon will appear there, labeled Drive K. Double-click on it to open it.
On the Macs, the drive icon will appear on the desktop. Double-click on it to open it.

To eject the flash drive:
On the Dells, return to the My Computer window. Right-click on the drive’s icon and select Eject from the menu. After the icon disappears, remove the drive from the port.

On the Macs, click once on the drive’s icon on the desktop. Type Command (Apple) + E together. After the icon disappears, remove the drive from the port.