Ask A Librarian: Technology in the Library

NOTE: This answer covers the instructions for the current library printing service called Papercut. This system will be changing in 2024 - keep an eye out for updated instructions for the new printing process!

When you are using the library's computers (either the desktop computers or the laptops), you'll go through the process to print as you normally would at home or work. Find the option for printing in the application or website you are using, make sure you have chosen black and white or color, double or single sided, and how many copies you need.

When you've clicked print, you will then be shown a series of boxes depending on the details of your print job:

1. All print jobs will see a box that asks you to type in your initials or name, so we know which print is yours when it is time to pay.
2. Print jobs that are sent in color will then prompt a box asking if you want to save money by printing in black and white. Read this box carefully! Click YES to print in black and white, and NO to print in color.
3. Some very large print jobs may prompt a box asking if you want to save paper by printing double-sided (duplex printing). The cost to print is the same either way.

Once the system has asked you all its questions, you'll see a notification that your document is being held in a queue. At this point, make your way up to the printers and follow these steps:

1. If you're paying with a card, let someone at the Information Desk know. They will put your print charge into our system, and send you over to the Checkout desk to pay with your card. Staff will print your documents while you pay, and you can pick them up after paying.
2. If you're paying with cash, go to the computer to the left of the printers and click the button that says "Click here to print." 
3. Make sure you see your print job in the queue by looking for your name or initials.
4. Insert your money into the gray money machine to your right. The machine takes $1s, $5s, and all silver coins. It will dispense change if you don't have exact change for your print. Staff at the Information Desk can also make you change if you only have large bills that the machine does not accept.
5. Once you've put in at least the cost of your print job, look back at the computer screen and click "Print" next to you print job(s).
6. The document(s) will print. Once they have printed, if the computer has not timed out and given you change already click the "Log Out" button and it will dispense change. You're now good to go!