InfoCommons

About the InfoCommons

The InfoCommons is spread across both floors of the Ebling Library along the Atrium window. It is the result of a merging between the Ebling Library and the HSLC InfoLab, providing an integrated environment for library and information technology staff, services, and resources.

The InfoCommons is open to the entire UW-Madison Community (currently enrolled students, faculty and staff of all schools). Access to the InfoCommons workstations requires logging in with a UW ID number.

Use of the InfoCommons computers must be consistent with the University's mission and with its role as a public agency. For more information, please see the Policy for Appropriate Use of UW-Madison Information Technology Resources.

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 7:30-11:45
Friday: 7:30-5:45**
Saturday: 10:00-5:45**
Sunday: 10:00-11:45
** Study Hall hours extend until 11:45pm during the regular semester

Computers

There are 115 desktop workstations spread throughout InfoCommons. You can access the internet, search a variety of databases, as well as open and edit Microsoft Office applications. You may also view DVDs, listen to CDs and use mini USB hard drives on each computer.

• 43 Public LTG Workstations 17" Monitor PCs
• 60 Student Workstations 17" Monitor PCs
  • (1.8 GHz Intel Dual Core; 2GB RAM, CD-RW/DVD Optical Drives, 13in1 Media Card Reader)
• 6 Collaborative 24" Monitor PCs
  • (1.8 GHz Intel Dual Core; 2GB RAM, DVD+-RW Optical Drives, 13in1 Media Card Reader)
• 6 Collaborative 20" Monitor iMacs
  • (2 GHz PowerPC; 1GB RAM, DVD+-RW Optical Drives)

Access to the InfoCommons workstations requires logging in with an UW ID number. Computer workstations are available for our non-affiliated users without a UW ID.

Software

The InfoCommons computers offer a variety of desktop applications, including:

• MS Office 2007 (Access, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word)
• Adobe (Acrobat Reader 8, Acrobat Pro 8, Dreamweaver CS3, Flash, Fireworks,CS 3, Illustrator CS3, InDesign CS3, Photoshop CS3)
• Final Cut Pro 5 (iMacs only)
• Multi-media (Windows Media Player, Quicktime, Realplayer, Winamp)
• Courseware (Nutribase, Matlab, Step1-3 Practice Exams, etc.)
• more....

Other Equipment

We have a variety of equipment available for use within the InfoCommons:

For A/V services outside of the library, see the HSLC Classroom and AV Services website.

Laptop Checkout

Wireless laptop computers are available for 3 day loan to anyone with a valid UW ID at no charge. Each unit comes equipped with basic productivity software.

Policies

• You must present your UW ID and another photo ID to checkout a laptop
• Checkout is limited to 3 days
• Laptops must be returned to the Ebling Library Service Desk
• Overdue fines are $20 per day
• Patrons are responsible for any loss or damages to the laptop or accessories
  

Fax Service

Have something to fax? Let us send it for you!

• There is no charge for the fax transmission service
• Service is available for sending only
• We can fax items nationwide only (sorry, no international faxes)
• Please inquire at the Ebling Library Service desk

Wireless

The HSLC wireless network is available in most areas of the InfoCommons and the Ebling Library. This will provide you access to the same databases as the library workstations. To connect, you must have a wireless enabled laptop.

• Open your browser
• You should see the HSLC Wireless connection at the bottom of your screen.
• No password or log in is required.
• If you are unable to connect to the network, either call the DoIt Help Desk at 264-4357 or ask us for assistance

If you do not have a wireless card, you may connect to the network via an ethernet cable plugged into one of the many data jacks spread throughout the InfoCommons and the library.

PDAs

Questions/Support: Currently the InfoCommons only supports the Palm OS Platform. Questions and support issues can be handled by Adrian Gay, InfoCommons manager - drop in or email him at either pdahelp@med.wisc.edu or adriang at wisc.edu.

Syncing: If you need to sync you'll need the USB cable that comes with the PDA to connect to a computer - there are a few extras available for checkout at the Ebling Service Desk.

• More about PDAs: Handheld PCs, Palmtops & Personal Digital Assistants

Printing

• Black and White Printing: Rate is $.07 per page and requires a debit card (vending unit on site). Each computer is connected to a black & white print queue station - your print job corresponds to the number on the front of your computer.
• Color Printing: Rate is $.50 per page and requires a debit card (vending unit on site). Print jobs are sent to the color print queue station which is then taken care from the Service Desk.

Photocopying

There are four copy centers spread throughout the library. Each copy center is equipped with a copy machine and a scanner.

• Rate: $.10 per page. You may use a copy/print debit card at any of the copy centers in Ebling. There is one coin operated copier located on each floor of the library.
• Color Copies: Copy center copiers are b/w only. If you need a specific image from a journal printed in color, ask the staff at the service desk for help.
• Larger formats: If you need to copy onto 11X14 or 11X17 size paper, ask staff for assistance.

Document Scanning

Each of the 4 copy centers in the library is equipped with a scanner, which allows you to scan and email articles or pages from books to your email account as a pdf document. There is no charge for scanning.

Color Scanning

There are 2 HP-7400c flatbed scanners, located on two of the Collaborative (Triplex Desks) PCs, and one HP-8200 flatbed scanner on one of the iMacs G5s, also located in the Collaborative (Triplex Desks). These will scan in color, allow changes in resolution, and save in various file formats (.bmp, .tiff, .jpeg, .pdf, etc.)

Scanning Help & Tips:

• Step-by-Step Instructions are located above each scanner in the copy centers.
• Use a wisc.edu email account if possible.  Other accounts such as hotmail have storage problems with large PDF files.
• Break a large number of originals into separate scan jobs so your files are not too large to open.
• Check your email before you leave to see if the scan is there.
• If you have lost your scans and think you addressed it to an invalid email address, email eblinghelp at library.wisc.edu.