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Computers in the Libraries / Information Commons: Home

Library Computers

The Libraries' computers can be used by anyone to do research using the Libraries' resources or the Internet. Library workstations are equipped with web browsers (Chrome and Firefox), basic utilities such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, and standard office applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, etc. A list of available lab software is made available by IT.

Laptops & Wireless Computing

All floors of Carlson and Mulford Libraries are a wireless environment. Please note that wireless coverage may be reduced in some areas, especially near the outer walls of the building.

Laptops that are wireless-ready may be checked out from the Carlson IT Help Desk or Mulford Library Service Desk for up to 5 hours. The laptops cannot leave the building or be checked out overnight. A replacement charge of $3,000.00 will be assessed if the laptop is not returned in three days. Technical assistance with using the laptops is available in the Information Commons at Carlson Library or from the Mulford Library Circulation Desk.

Printing & Copying

The University Libraries uses the same Follow Me Printing feature that the rest of campus uses. Printers are located on every floor of Carlson Library and in Mulford Library's fourth floor computer lab.

Carlson Library Information Commons

The Information Commons in Carlson Library is a collaboration between the University Libraries and Information Technology which brings together a variety of services for student success. The Information Commons (the first floor of Carlson Library) is open the same hours as Carlson Library and features:

  • Computer Lab Services
    • Over 100 workstations for student use connected to black and white and color printers
    • Laptops for checkout and use within the Library's wireless environment
    • Accessibility software for patrons with mobility or vision impairments available on workstations through vlab.utoledo.edu
    • Wireless network for personal devices is available for students. It is called UToledo and needs UTAD authentication. Other wifi options are also available
    • IT Help Desk for troubleshooting and training on computer software applications and hardware
  • Library Services
    • Reference Librarians that can help you find material for your research
    • 3 Information Literacy classrooms (two 32 seat and one 20 seat capacity) to learn about how to find, evaluate, and organize information
    • Some library conference and event rooms are available for reservation

Other services located in Carlson Library near the Information Commons include

  • The Tutoring Center, to get individual additional instruction for your classes from the Learning Enhancement Center. (Located on the Lower Level)
  • The Writing Center, for assistance in the writing process at all levels of learning. (Located on the Lower Level)

Information Commons Policies

The University of Toledo Libraries have instituted some policies in order to preserve our collection and ensure that the library is a safe and comfortable environment for all of our patrons. We ask that you be considerate of your fellow library users. Some locations, services, and collections may have particular policies governing their use. The University of Toledo Libraries, its collections and facilities, are available to everyone, including visitors. 

In order to provide a secure network and to prevent illegal download activity of copyrighted materials from University Library computers, UTAD logins will be required to access most computer workstations within the libraries.  Public access is still available at selected computers near the reference desk in Carlson Library. At Mulford Library, please see the staff at the Service Desk for non-UTAD access to Mulford Library workstations.

Computer and e-resource use is guided by vendor licenses, the University Library's Computer Use Policy, and the University's Responsible Technology Use Policy.

Instructional Services

The University of Toledo instructional librarians provide instructional support to UToledo faculty and academic support to UToledo undergraduate and graduate students.  Through a comprehensive program of instruction, including library sessions, print and online instructional aids, and continual assessment, we strive to create collaborative relationships among our community.

Classrooms in the Information Commons are intended for courses, labs, and other instructional sessions that:

  • emphasize information literacy and the integration information sources into research and learning.
  • make extensive use of interactive teaching/learning methods, multimedia, and other computer-based source materials.

The University Libraries are committed to developing strong teaching partnerships with university faculty. Classrooms may be scheduled to teach information literacy, research, and computing instruction sessions with the aid of Information Literacy and Subject Specialty Librarians and/or Lab Support Group personnel. University faculty wanting to schedule these instructional facilities for the above purposes should contact Julia Martin julia.martin@utoledo.edu or their subject librarian.

We encourage university faculty to give 2 weeks notice for instruction in all classrooms. Instruction is available at the undergraduate and graduate level at any time during fall, spring, and summer sessions.

Faculty and Instructors: We provide services that will help your students meet your course learning objectives and become familiar with the information sources integral to the discipline.

Student Researchers: We can help you learn how to use the library and its resources in order to get the information you need for class assignments. 

Group Study Room Uses

  • Use of Group Study Rooms is for 2 or more people.
  • Use of study rooms is restricted to currently enrolled UToledo students.
  • These rooms must be occupied to retain use. 
  • If the room is unoccupied for more than 5 minutes, any belongings will be taken to the Circulation Desk and the room will be available for others to use.

Additional individual and group study space is available on the upper floors of Carlson Library.

Please see https://libguides.utoledo.edu/policies for general Policies of the University Libraries.