Library Online Events FAQs

Live-streaming Events via Zoom:

How do I register for an online event?

Go through What's On and register for the event. Once you have registered, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from our Eventbrite account containing further information for the event. The online event will be held via Zoom. We will send you a link to join the event 2 hours prior and another reminder 15 minutes prior so please check your email inbox. You will need a reliable internet connection to join the event online.

If other members of the same household would like to watch the event on a different device than you, they will need to get their own ticket.

How do I interact in an online event? Can I ask questions?

Author talks (Zoom webinar): Attendees can submit questions via the Q&A box once they have joined the event. However, depending on the time and running of the event, we cannot guarantee an answer to your questions. We appreciate your understanding. Note: In a view-only webinar, your microphone and camera will be turned off by default, and hosts cannot enable an attendee’s camera (only audio if promoted or permitted).

Interactive workshops (Zoom meetings): Attendees have control over their audio and video settings and can chat with participants. In an interactive workshop, you will be able to control the settings of your microphone and camera yourself, i.e. mute/unmute your microphone and turn on/off your camera.

If I can’t attend the online event, can I still view the session?

That depends. We may record some events and make them available to view after the session, but not all events will be recorded.

Is there a waitlist if the event is booked out?

Yes! If an event is booked out, there is a waitlist. You can join the waitlist by registering on the event page.

Help! The event is happening now and I don’t know what to do!?

You can join the event by clicking on the URL emailed to you via the email address used to register for your event ticket on Eventbrite. This URL will take you to the Zoom website, where it will prompt you to either save or open the Zoom program. If you have not received a link to join Zoom 15 minutes before the event starts, please contact us.

Joining the online event

You can join the event on a desktop computer, mobile device or tablet. To join the event, click the link that we provide in an email 2 hours (and 15 minutes) before the event starts and follow the prompts.

If you're using the Chrome browser, select Open Zoom Meetings in the dialog box to connect through the browser, or click the link download & run Zoom to download Zoom. (Note: The prompts might be different if you're using other browsers. If you are joining on a tablet device or mobile phone, you might need to install the Zoom app).

Visit the Zoom Download Centre if you wish to manually install the Zoom app on your device.

If the host hasn’t started broadcasting the event, you’ll receive a message detailing when the event will start.

Prior to the online event

We recommend updating your Zoom app and internet browser before the event for the best audio and video quality!

Test Zoom:

Join a test meeting on the Zoom website to test your connection and audio/video (note: in view-only webinars, your microphone and camera will be turned off by default. Only hosts are able to control permissions to speak).

Note: In a view-only webinar, your microphone and camera will be turned off by default, and hosts cannot enable an attendee’s camera (only audio if promoted or permitted). In an interactive workshop, you will be able to control the settings of your microphone and camera yourself, i.e. mute/unmute your microphone and turn on/off your camera.

Test audio:

We recommend you connect using a headset for an optimal audio experience.

Test Zoom Computer Audio by following the steps: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362283-How-Do-I-Join-or-Test-My-Computer-Device-Audio-
Note: In a view-only webinar, your microphone and camera will be turned off by default, and you won't have control over this setting.

Learn how to use Zoom:

This course provided by Be Connected (Australian Government) shows you how to create a Zoom account, safely create meetings as a Host and dial into Zoom meetings as a participant: https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/connecting-to-others/how-to-use-zoom?

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Please note that library staff are not able to provide technical support or troubleshooting for Zoom or device-related issues. Any technical issues encountered will need to be self-managed, however, persisting issues can be logged with us for investigation.

If you have difficulty accessing the link or playing the livestream, please try these options before getting in contact:

  1. Exit the session, refresh/reload the webpage, and re‑enter.
  2. Ensure internet connection is strong (recommended minimum 5 Mbps download speed).
  3. Ensure your Zoom app and/or internet browser is up to date (Zoom regularly updates browser and app compatibility, including minimum browser versions from 2026)
  4. If possible, try joining through a different internet browser if you have one.
  5. Close all background programs and webpages.
  6. Restart your device.
  7. If the issue continues, email contactus@randwick-nsw.libanswers.comand include any information and screenshots. We cannot guarantee we will be able to reply on the event day.

If no sound is playing:

  1. Ensure the volume is turned up on both the device and speakers.
  2. Ensure device volume is not muted (check keyboard as well in case your device has a dedicated mute button).
  3. Ensure speakers are turned on and working.
  4. Ensure power to the speakers are working.
  5. Ensure any auxiliary cables are plugged in securely or the Bluetooth connection to the speakers is connected.
  6. Play another video or media to check if speakers are receiving audio.
  7. If you are getting a sound echo, check you only have one video playing.

Webinar accessibility

During the live webinar, presenters will be using audio and screen share to deliver the session. Headphones are recommended to ensure you can hear the presenter’s audio clearly.

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide simultaneous closed captions in the event.

We have a number of library staff who present the events online, and presentation styles will vary between each presenter.

Further help

Connect through browser:

Requirements

  • Chrome 102 or higher
  • Edge 102 or higher
  • Firefox 105 or higher
  • Safari 16.4 or higher (OS‑dependent on Apple devices)
Note: Zoom ended support for Windows 32‑bit and 32‑bit browsers after December 15, 2025. Some users may experience difficulties joining events through very old devices.

More help - https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/214629443-Zoom-Web-Client

Connect audio:

Test Computer Audio by following the steps: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362283-How-Do-I-Join-or-Test-My-Computer-Device-Audio-

If Zoom prompts you to register when connecting to audio, click ‘Okay’.

Download the Zoom Client (Zoom app):

Visit the Zoom Download Centre if you wish to manually install the Zoom app on your device.

Join a Zoom test meeting:

You can join a test meeting on the Zoom website to test your connection and audio/video: https://zoom.us/test
(note: in view-only webinars, your microphone and camera will be turned off by default and only hosts are able to control permissions to speak).

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