How do I set Time Access to allow users to select how long to reserve a computer, up to a daily limit?

Answer:

OCS supports a function called “User Slot Quantity Selection”.  Each user is assigned a maximum number of time slots per day, and he or she can select anywhere from one to all of his or her allotted time.  For example, if the slots are set to be 5 minutes long, and each user gets an hour a day on the computer, then each user has a limit of 12 time slots (12 * 5 = 60 minutes).  Each time the user reserves, or uses, a computer, he or she is prompted to enter the number of slots to use based on how many he or she has remaining. 

To set up user slot quantity selection:

Step 1: Run OCS manager 

Step 2: Select the “Manage/Configure Timed Access” button 

Step 3: From the Time Access Menu, select the “Manage Time Blocks” button 

Step 4: Select the “Add All – Sites” button 

For User Sessions Minutes, enter the number of minutes for each time slot (e.g. ‘5’ for 5 minute time slots), and enter the start and end time for the sites – this is typically the opening and closing time.  This will assign slots for every day of the week – to modify opening and closings for each day see this document. 

Step 5:  Choose ‘OK’, and then choose ‘Done’ to return to the Time Access Menu.  You will be warned about deleting all existing schedules – answer ‘Yes’ to apply the new settings

Step 6: From the Time Access Menu, select the “Manage Parameters/Site” button 

Step 7: Choose the site from the list for which these settings will apply

Step 8: On the left hand side, there are two fields next to buttons: “Max User Bookings/Day (5 min slots)” and “Max Active Bookings/User (5 min slots)”.  Each of these should be set to the same number (e.g. 12 to give the users one hour of time with 5 minute slots).  After entering the number in both fields, select the corresponding button to save the change(s)  

Step 9: Select the “Enable User Slot Qty Selection” button until the field next to it says ‘Yes’. 

Step 10: Click “Save and Exit”.