Using Zoom

Santa Cruz Public Library strives to create respectful and family friendly virtual experiences using Zoom.  We ask that all participants of library sponsored Zoom meetings honor this intention.  The Library provides staff facilitators for each Zoom meeting that may remove guests that do not conduct themselves in a respectful manner.

The library leverages Zoom’s software settings to minimize the probability of unwanted distractions and privacy encroachments.  Video and chat features for Zoom meetings are not recorded unless explicitly stated at the beginning of the event.  The Zoom Attention Tracking feature is always disabled.  Only Host can share their screen.  Private chat is disabled.

Join a Zoom Meeting

With a Computer (video tutorial)

A computer is the best option for experiencing a Zoom meeting because of the larger screen size and additional features. The computer will need to be connected to the Internet, have an up-to-date web browser (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Safari), webcam, and microphone.

Steps:

• Click Zoom meeting link provided in your email invitation 
• Click Download and Run Zoom (The first time you use Zoom it will download the application to your computer - but the process is so quick & easy you might not even notice it. After that, clicking the link will automatically open it for you.)
• NOTE: With Chrome browser it’s possible to use Zoom without downloading software (video tutorial)
• Click Join with Computer Audio
• You may have to wait briefly in a virtual waiting area if you arrive before the meeting begins

With a Mobile Device (Apple tutorial, Android tutorial)

Android or Apple devices use the Zoom App called ZOOM Cloud Meetings.  Download the free app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.  App will require access to your camera and microphone.

Steps:

• Open App and click “Join a Meeting”
• Enter Meeting ID number and password (e.g. Meeting ID: 953 756 814)
• Click Join
• You may have to wait briefly in a virtual waiting area if you arrive before the meeting begins

With a Phone (Phone tutorial)

If you don’t have access to the internet, a computer or smart mobile device, you can dial into a Zoom meeting using your phone - but we don’t recommend it because you may not be able to participate in the visual parts of the meeting.

Call one of these numbers and enter the meeting’s ID number (e.g. Meeting ID: 953 756 814)

    +1 669 900 6833
    +1 346 248 7799 

Basic Tips

Zoom offers many resources on video tutorials and helpful video trainings.  Below are a few recommendations to consider.

• Restart your computer or device a ½ hour before you come into the session.
• Close any applications (e.g. email, Word, etc.) you don’t need, especially apps that use microphone or camera.
• Make sure your Zoom software is always updated to the latest version. 
• Come to Zoom meeting early to give yourself plenty of time to test your microphone and camera.
• Have lighting in front of you, so people can see your smiling face!

Privacy and Security

Zoom has been in the spotlight recently with news stories covering many privacy concerns.  Zoom’s frequent software updates have solved the identified problems.  This is why it is recommended that you always keep the Zoom software up-to-date.  

If you have further questions about Zoom privacy policy and safety concerns you can visit the Zoom website for further reading: https://zoom.us/docs/en-us/privacy-and-security.html 

If you wish to minimize your personal data exposure online please know that you can participate in a Zoom meeting without creating a Zoom account.  It is also possible to join a Zoom meeting through a web browser without downloading the Zoom software (see video tutorial). 

Please email digitallearning@santacruzpl.org if you have any questions or concerns regarding the library’s Zoom meetings.
 
Enjoy your Zoom Meeting!