Computers, printing, and scanning
Learn how to access available resources for computers, printing, and scanning in the University Libraries.
Computers
Available at all University Libraries (except Andersen) to support teaching, learning and research. Current University of Minnesota --Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff have unlimited access to computers during most open hours.
Visitors can get a free computer workstation card from any service desk by showing a government-issued photo ID. These cards provide two hours of computer access per day.
All users must follow University Libraries' policies.
Wireless access
Wireless access is available at all University Libraries via the University’s network. See OIT wireless overview for guidelines, set-up information, and technical standards.
Printing and copying
All University Libraries (except Andersen) offer self-serve printing stations that can also be used to scan and copy.
Add value to your U Card or copy card online or at a Cash-to-Gopher GOLD station.
- Black-and-white prints and copies are $0.10 per exposure ($0.20 double-sided)
- Color prints and copies are $0.50 per exposure ($1.00 double-sided)
- Black-and-white and color scans are free
Print from a library computer
- Print your document and enter a job name and ID when prompted to identify your job
- Go to the printing station or UniPrint release station -- staff can assist you in locating them
- Swipe your card through the card reader at the printing station or on the keyboard at the Uniprint release station
- Select your print job from the queue that appears on the screen. (The cost to release the job will also appear.) Click Print to accept, and then Log Out
Additional ways to print
Print from the cloud
Navigate to z.umn.edu/cloudprint, upload a file, and release your print job to any University Library printing station.
Print from your laptop
Wireless printing is available for Mac and Windows platforms. Set up your laptop for wireless printing by installing one of the printer drivers listed below.
Software resources
The Libraries offer a variety of specialized software, including software for video and audio production, graphic design and animation, 3D modeling, GIS data & statistical software, and more.
Scanning and digitization
General scanning
All of the Libraries offer scanning. Scanning is free, though a U Card or Gopher GOLD card is needed to release the device's lock screen. If you don't have a card and need assistance, staff are available to help.
Microform scanning
There are five self-service microform scanners located in the Basement level of Wilson Library, Walter, and Magrath each also have one self-service microform scanner.
Archival scanning and digitization
The Libraries provide fee-based scanning services to the University community and researchers across the globe, offering high quality digital scans of materials at a reasonable cost.
3D printing
3D printers are available in the Libraries' two makerspaces. They can be used by U of M Twin Cities students, staff, and faculty.
- Breakerspace in the Toaster (Walter Library)
- Makerspace in the Health Sciences Library
Accessibility details
Once signed into a Libraries’ public computer, available accessibility software includes
- JAWS (screen reader),
- ZoomText (text magnifier),
- Fusion (combines JAWS and ZoomText),
- OmniPage (Optical Character Recognition (OCR)),
- Touch Server (touch user interface),
- Kurzweil 3000 (readability and presentation), and
- Windows 10 and Mac computers additionally have a built-in screen reader, text magnifier, and on-screen keyboards.
Catalog-only computers are limited to Windows accessibility software.
Contact
If you have questions or issues, please contact [email protected].