The University Libraries are making several technology and service changes to expand service, improve security and address environmental and budgetary issues. These changes affect campus libraries except for those serving the School of Law, George Warren Brown School of Social Work and the School of Medicine.
The most immediately noticeable change is that individuals must log on to use a library computer. The first time a student, faculty or staff member uses a library computer, he or she must go through a setup process that may take a few minutes. Subsequent logons will go faster.
Requiring a logon helps protect the computer network and is a necessary part of giving individuals an important new benefit: temporary storage space on the library server.
To improve the security for individuals’ identities, the Libraries no longer use Social Security numbers as identifiers for access to library resources, and are instead using student and employee ID numbers.
In response to requests by library users, the Microsoft Office software suite — Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access — has been installed on all public-access computers. Previously these programs were available only on selected computers.
Instant messaging is now available for communicating with library staff.
After Oct. 20, printing in campus libraries will cost 8 cents per sheet for single-sided printing, 12 cents per sheet for double-sided printing and more for color printing, for people who pay by Campus Card.
People paying in cash or by copycard will pay the same rate for printing as for photocopying: 12.5 cents per page. These charges are similar to what peer institutions charge.
The 2001 introduction of e-reserves gave students online access to reserve reading, which has been a great convenience. Librarians believed students would read materials online or print them in their rooms. Instead many students chose to print their reserve materials free at the Libraries.
In addition, the number of electronic journals and books provided online has exploded. Between e-reserves and other e-resources, printing in the Libraries quadrupled in just four years.
“To continue to support free printing would require us to buy fewer books and journals,” said Shirley K. Baker, vice chancellor for information technology and dean of University Libraries.
“Adding to the collections available to our students and faculty has to take priority over providing free copying of existing texts, which can be read online or downloaded.”
A survey of libraries at peer institutions showed none of them offer free printing. The Libraries’ new charges will partially offset the paper, toner, equipment and service costs. The goal is not to make a profit or break even but to bring costs to a manageable level.
The Libraries expect the new policy to have a welcome environmental benefit. Other academic libraries report that on-site printing dropped 50 percent or more when they began charging for printing.
Some people may still print library materials on their own printers, but others will read materials online. With a charge in place, most library users become more selective about how much printing they do. Any reduction in printing reduces waste.
The Libraries expect that, in light of the printing charges, some faculty may make a few changes to their reserve materials. For instance, PowerPoint presentations can be configured so multiple images appear on each page.
Course packets might be created and sold in the bookstore, replacing some e-reserve materials, if the faculty member feels this is more cost-effective for students.
Students who do high-volume printing may find it economical to print at a fast-copy company.
The Oct. 20 date for beginning charging will give faculty time to consider their options as they prepare for the spring semester.
More information about these changes is available at library.wustl.edu/printing.