Library-owned Workstations
UO Libraries has two primary types of workstations: academic workstations, available to current UO students and employees, and internet-only workstations, available for short-term walk-up use for all users. Additionally, current UO students and employees are able to check out laptops for short-term use.
All library computers are subject to the UO Libraries computer use policy.
Academic Workstations
To use an academic workstation you must log in with a valid DuckID and password. No one may use another person's log-in to access the computers.
Both Windows and Mac computers are used for academic workstations, with software suites such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite. They have large flat panel displays, and allow you to use the Internet, work on papers, and create presentations. Each machine can print to the library's black and white or color printers. Some computers have scanners attached.
For more information about academic workstations, including lists of applications available, please see User Support Services - UO Libraries Computer Labs.
Internet-Only Workstations
Anyone may use one of the several internet-only workstations that can be found at each library branch. To ensure equitable access for all users, internet-only workstations have 30-minute usage limits.
Unlike academic workstations, internet-only workstations offer only the following: a choice of web browser, audio and video support, and the option to download files to a USB drive. This is sufficient to provide full access to the library catalog, its electronic resources and databases, and the open internet. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Circulating Laptop Computers
Laptop Checkout for UO Students, Staff, and Faculty is limited to current UO students and employees for four-hour loans. Windows laptops can be checked out from the Price Science Commons & Research Library, the Knight Library Checkout & Reserves Desk, and the UO Portland Library. These computers are similar to academic workstations, and are intended for short-term use. UO Libraries is not able to provide longer-term laptop loans.
Personal computers
If you want to use your own laptop computers in the UO libraries, you may connect to UO Secure if you are a current UO students or employees, or to UO Guest if you are not. Some of the libraries' databases and other electronic resources are only available via UO Secure; the option for people who are not able to connect to UO Secure but need access to these resources is to use an internet-only workstation.
There are spaces in most of the libraries where larger standalone monitors are available for laptop users who want a larger work surface. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some group student rooms also have large monitors suitable for group viewing. Connection cables and peripherals are available for checkout at the Knight and PSC service desks. If you want to print from your personal computer, you will need to follow these instructions for printing setup (look for the words 'public printing').