Computers
All of the computers in both the Folsom and Architecture Libraries, which run on the Windows operating system, include basic software such as Microsoft Office. Photoshop and Acrobat Pro are also available on the computers which are attached to the Library scanners.
All Library computers are configured to access the various printers which are located throughout the Libraries.
For those patrons who prefer to use their laptops, WiFi is available in both the Folsom and Architecture Libraries.
Guests who are visiting the RPI campus may inquire at the Library Service Desks to be logged in to one of the public computers. However, access to Library computers by members of the RPI community takes precedence over access by the general public. Library staff may require individuals not affiliated with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to provide a substantiated research purpose to use library computers, scanners, and copying equipment.
Additionally, Library guests should note that licensing agreements restrict access to specific resources for current members of the RPI community, and these resources will not be available to non-members of the RPI community. Similarly, campus guests do not have access to WiFi or printing privileges, so they must save documents to a flash drive or send documents to themselves via an internet email client.
It is important to note that all Library computers are provided to support RPI's educational and research missions. Therefore, the use of this equipment for any other purpose is not permitted. All Library users are expected to adhere to RPI's Cyber Citizenship Policy .
Printers
Current RPI students, faculty, and staff have access to printing when logged on to a Library workstation. Library guests do not have printing privileges, so they must save documents to a flash drive or email the documents to themselves.
RPI users must install the appropriate print driver(s) to access and print to a campus network printer from their own computers.
Locations, names, and formats of the Libraries’ public printers:
Folsom Library
- li1f1lw - B&W, 8.5”x 11” paper - First floor
- li2f1lw - B&W, 8.5”x 11” paper - Second floor
- li2f2p3 - Color, 8.5”x 11” paper - Second floor
- li3f1lw - B&W, 8.5”x 11” paper - Third floor
- li4f1lw - B&W, 8.5”x 11” paper - Fourth floor
- li4f2mfp - B&W, 8.5"x 11", 8.5"x 14",11"x 17" - Fourth Floor
Architecture Library
- gr306lw - B&W, 8.5"x11" paper
- gr306cl - Color, 8.5"x11" paper, one- or two-sided
- gr306cb - Color, 11"x17" paper, one- or two-sided
- gr306cbg - Color, glossy 11"x17" paper
Scanners
A Knowledge Imaging Center (KIC) scanner is available at the northwest end of the second/main floor of the Folsom Library, adjacent to the DVD area. This is a high-resolution, large-format (18"x 24.4") scanning kiosk with touchscreen operation, capable of 24-bit color, bi-tonal, and grayscale output. Users can store their scans on a flash drive or email them from the kiosk. Patrons scanning bound volumes, such as books and journals, from the Libraries' collections must use the KIC scanner.
Public flat-bed scanners are available in the Folsom and Architecture Libraries. In the Folsom Library, scanners are located near the center stairs on the first, third, and fourth floors; in the Architecture Library, scanners are connected to the public computers. These flat-bed scanners are intended for use with flat documents only.
Photoshop and Acrobat Professional are installed on the computers that are connected to all the Library scanners. Trays for slide-scanning are available at the Service Desks in both Libraries.
Microform reader
A microform reader, which can also be used to scan slides, is available on the first floor of Folsom Library, near the main stairwell.
