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Computers in the Libraries

Printing and Downloading
Word Processing, Desktop Applications and Scanners
Library Data Lab
Laptop Connections (via AirBears | via LIPS)
Off-Campus Access
Connecting@Berkeley Software
Information for Specific Libraries

Computers with access to library resources and the Internet are available in all campus libraries. Priority for use is given to UCB students, faculty, and staff doing research. Information about privileges and responsibilities is available via the Library Computer Use Policy and the UC Berkeley Computer Use Policy.

Full Internet access is provided for UCB students, faculty and staff via CalNet ID logon. Research access is available to all visitors: use of catalogs, article database and licensed library resources, as well as websites in the .edu, .gov, and .org domains (details | local alternatives for Internet access).

Workstations are equipped for sound and are compatible with standard audio headphones using mini-plug jacks. You are encouraged to bring headphones for audio access (some libraries loan them at their circulation desks). For information on assistive technology see Services for Users with Disabilities.

Printing requires a library copy card, which may be purchased in card-vending machines at convenient locations throughout the UCB libraries. Alternatively, it can be purchased at a Library Copy Service Center (UCB students, faculty, and staff get a discount rate on cards purchased at copy service centers). Print jobs must be released within 2 hours or they will be purged from the queue. The cost for black-and-white prints is 13¢ per page. Select libraries offer color printing.

Downloading to 3 1/2-inch floppy disks is available (IBM-compatible disks may be purchased from a Library Copy Service Center). Most workstations accept USB flash drives.

Word processing, standard desktop applications, and scanners (UCB students, faculty, and staff) are available in the Moffitt Microcomputer Facility and in other campus microcomputing facilities. Printing is available and requires adding printing credit to your facility account (note, this account is for microcomputer centers only and does not work with library workstations).

The Library Data Lab (UCB students, faculty, and staff) is available for the specific purpose of numeric data research. Workstations have a variety of data analysis and GIS software. For lab details and contact information, follow the above link.

Laptop connections (UCB students, faculty, and staff):

AirBears wireless access is available in many UCB libraries (map of coverage). Use requires a CalNet ID. Please note, the Library does not provide AirBears guest accounts. Wireless cards are available for one-day checkout at the Moffitt and Public Health Libraries circulation desks. These desks also loan the installation program for configuring your laptop to use AirBears; alternately, you can follow the setup instructions on the AirBears web site.


Laptop IP Service (LIPS): Some libraries offer laptop connections via dedicated network jacks. This method predates AirBears and requires that you first register for the Laptop IP Service. Follow the above link for details and registration.


Technical support for AirBears and LIPS is available for students at the Student Computer Consulting Service (643-7536); support for faculty and staff is available via phone @ 642-4920. The campus Information Services and Technology unit posts regular updates of known system and network problems.

Off-campus access to library databases and online resources is available for UCB students, faculty and staff. See the guide Connecting from Off Campus for details.

Connecting@Berkeley is a suite of software (available to UCB students, faculty and staff) that helps you get connected and stay protected when using the Internet. It includes anti-virus and firewall applications for meeting campus security standards, helps you add settings for connection to the AirBears wireless service, and more. Follow the above link for details on what's included and how to get it.

Information for specific libraries and resource availability may often be obtained via that library's website. Look for information about the facility, its services, or equipment. Alternately, call the library or its reference service for details (note, for the location and phone number of a library, use the preceding link to access a list of library hours and then view the location's Info link).

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