Computers and Wireless

Access to Library Electronic Resources

Library computers in Library buildings automatically have access to Library electronic resources.

Some wireless networks also provide access to Library electronic resources; see Wireless below.

See Off-Campus Access to connect to Library resources from off campus.

Use of Library computers and wireless networks is subject to the terms of the Library's Policy on Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources and the University's Policy on Information Technology Use and Access.

Library Computers

The Library provides computers for patron use in all libraries.

See Places to Study with Patron Computers for locations.

Software Available on Library Computers

  • Chrome, Firefox, Edge
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • vLan Video Player, which plays DVDs from any region
  • CD/DVD burning
  • R Studio, Stata and Matlab

The workstations in the Center for Digital Scholarship provide a number of specialized software in addition to those listed above.

Saving Files on Library Computers

Users should save files on a file sharing service such as UChicago Box or a flash drive. Files saved to Library computers are deleted nightly and cannot be recovered.

Dual Monitor Stations

The Library also provides monitors for use with laptops as dual monitor stations.

Dual monitor stations have VGA connectors; laptops may require an adapter (adapters may be borrowed from the TechBar).

See Places to Study with Dual Monitors for locations.

Problems with Library Computers

Use Ask a Librarian to report problems with Library computers or dual monitor stations. Include your CNetID and the name of the computer (marked on the computer's case) in your report.

Library Scanning Equipment

All copy/print/scan machines that are part of the University's printing system provide free scanning to UChicago students, faculty, and staff. See printing.uchicago.edu for details.

The Library also provides additional scanning equipment for patron use. Regenstein's 3rd floor reading room has an overhead book scanner and a flatbed scanner in the northeast corner near the Microforms collection.

Library users may also use personal devices, such as smartphones and cameras, to scan material.

Library visitors will need to request a computer login from the Regenstein Circulation desk to use scanning equipment.

Copyright Law

All copying of copyrighted material is governed by the United States Copyright Law (Title 17 US Code). The individual making the copy is liable for any infringement.

Wireless

Wireless access is available throughout all campus libraries.

  • Try connecting to the eduroam network which is 5Ghz.
  • For further help see IT Services’ page on Wireless Network Access.
  • If you continue to have problems with wireless, please report them to IT Services using the WiFi Trouble Report form.

eduroam (UChicago users with CNetIDs)

Use your full UChicago email address and password to authenticate and join the eduroam network. UChicago faculty, students and staff are strongly encouraged to use eduroam, as it is optimized for the most recent devices.

UChicago faculty, students, and staff connecting to eduroam will have access to Library electronic resources.

All data transferred over the eduroam network is encrypted and cannot be seen by other users.

IT Services has more information about eduroam

eduroam for visitors

Campus visitors from other eduroam institutions will have access to the internet and may be able to authenticate to the electronic resources for which their home institution provides off campus access.

Visitors connecting to eduroam will not have access to electronic resources licensed to the University of Chicago.

For instructions on connecting to eduroam, contact your home institution.

uchicago-secure

UChicago Secure is being retired on March 18, 2025. Connect to the Eduroam wireless network.

uchicago-guest

The uchicago-guest network allows faculty and full-time staff at the University of Chicago to sponsor guests on the wireless network by creating temporary accounts they may use for up to two weeks. Event organizers may use uchicago-guest to provide wireless access to attendees of meetings, symposia, and other events.

Uchicago-guest does not provide access to electronic resources licensed to the University of Chicago.

See the Wireless Guest Network FAQ for more information.

Library Guest Credentials

Library visitors may be issued guest credentials that allow them to use Library computers, as well as the uchicago-library-guest wireless network, both of which include access to Library electronic resources.

Guest credentials can be issued by the ID & Privileges Office or Regenstein Circulation. Visitors must present a government-issued photo ID to be issued guest credentials.