Community Access Program

CAP Services

The Nipigon Public Library now offers the following services:

4 Computers with Internet Access
1 Scanner
1 Colour & 1 Black and White Printer

 Please read below for more details on the CAP program and the services we offer.

 If you have any questions feel free to call (807) 887-3142 to book an appointment or to reserve books.

Some of the services that are offered at our CAP site include:

· Internet and computer access
· Electronic mail (email)
· Printing / scanning facilities
· Computer Operations / Software Applications
· On-line Job Searches, Internet Searches, Security and Navigation                                                              
· On-line Community & Government Information
· Distance Education / Learning
· Word processing / Resumes / spreadsheets / digital photo editing        

 Contact the library to learn more about computers and the internet.
  • Monthly topics and displays, tip sheets, books, ideas.
  • Learn adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0; MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-Publisher, Internet search tips, e-mail, etc
  • Phone 887-3142 to arrange a personal tutorial.

History of CAP

The Community Access Program (CAP) is a Government of Canada initiative, administered by Industry Canada. It aims to provide Canadians with affordable public access to the Internet and the skills they need to use it effectively. Federal, provincial and territorial governments combined offer CAP through:  community groups, social agencies, libraries, schools, volunteer groups and the business community. CAP helps Canadians everywhere take advantage of emerging opportunities in the new global knowledge-based economy. Under CAP, public locations like schools, libraries and community centers act as "on-ramps" to the Information Highway, and provide computer support and training. CAP is the key component of the Government of Canada's Connecting Canadians initiative, whose goal is to make Canada the most connected nation in the world. CAP started in 1994 in rural communities with populations up to 50,000. Then in December 1999 CAP was rolled out to larger population centers of over 50,000. By March 31, 2001, Industry Canada established public Internet access sites in 10,000 rural, remote and urban communities across Canada. CAP sites increasingly join together in networking opportunities enabling them to pool resources and form networks to be able to offer even more to their communities. CAP Sites provide the general public, community organizations and small businesses with affordable access to the Internet and related information technologies. Other related objectives include:

· Promoting public awareness of the benefits and opportunities of using information technologies and services
· Helping citizens become better informed through the exchange of ideas and information
· Coaching individuals in the use of services available through information technologies
· Supporting on-line delivery of government programs and services
· Facilitating business activities such as electronic commerce

Nipigon CAP History

After securing federal funding under the Community Access Program in 1997, Members of the CAP steering committee began a selection process in order to set up our public Internet Access site.  At the end of 1998 we had 4 public access workstations to enable Internet searching, web page development, and word processing.  When funding ended in 1999 all equipment purchased under the program was turned over to the Library board.  It is hoped that this equipment will stand in good stead for automating our library.  Since then other CAP funding has been obtained to update and replace aging equipment and software.

C.A.P. Site Partnerships:

                Nipigon Public Library  

                Corporation of the Township of Nipigon

                CAP Ontario Info Central                        

                Our Host ISP:  Thunder Bay Telephone

  Government of Canada provides funding for this CAP initiative.

Guidelines and Policies

Children under the age of 18 must have a parent sign a disclaimer in order to use the internet. Patrons must respect the integrity of the Library's computers and utilize only those programs and services posted on each computer. Patrons may not use their own software programs on library computers. This will help prevent computer viruses.  Chat lines are not allowed in the library. There is a small fee for printing, scanning and faxes.  The guidelines and policies are posted at the library.