How do I use the computers in the library?

Answer

Computer Use Policy

The CSI Library provides access to computers for the purpose of conducting online research and accessing the library’s electronic resources.

Given the limited number of workstations available, priority is given to students conducting library research or working on course-related assignments. Students who wish to simply surf the web, check their e-mail, or play videogames are strongly encouraged to use the facilities at the campus Computer LabsCybercafe (IL), or Campus Center (1C).

In order to access any computer on campus, including those in the library, students need a computer user ID and password from the Office of Information Technology (OIT). If you forget your computer login password, go to the OIT helpdesk on first floor of the Library in front of 1L-109A or call 718.982.3695. For more information on accessing campus computers, see Laboratory Login Procedures.

Students and faculty from other CUNY schools, CSI Alumni, and students from Empire State College who wish to use a computer must bring a valid ID to the OIT office in 2A-306D to request a guest computer login for each visit. Please refer to the OIT website for their office hours.

Using library computers

Logging In

In order to access any computer on campus, including those in the library, students need a computer user ID and password from the Office of Information Technology (OIT). Students are assigned the following computer login by default:

  • Username: firstname.lastname
  • Password: Csi+student# (# located under your picture on your ID card)

Example: sally.smith Csi12345678

Upon your first login you will be asked to change your password. If you forget your computer login password, go to the OTS helpdesk on first floor of the Library in front of 1L-109A or call 718.982.3695. For more information on accessing campus computers, see Laboratory Login Procedures. Students and faculty from other CUNY schools, CSI Alumni, and students from Empire State College who wish to use a computer must bring a valid ID to the OIT office in 2A-306D to request a guest computer login for each visit. Please refer to the OIT website for their office hours.

To see what computers are available in each lab, check OIT's Realtime Computer Availability tool

Software

Library computers are equipped with Internet access and basic productivity software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Additional software options (Visual Studio, Matlab, Minitab, Visio, etc.) are available at the campus Computer Labs.

The Office of Information Technology also offers cloud-based applications for Faculty, Staff, and Students. For a list of available applications and login procedures, see OIT's Internet Resources page for faculty and staff, and Student CIX Email Instructions page for students.

Printing from library computers

Students at the College of Staten Island have access to free black and white printing at a limit of 350 sides per semester (Fall and Spring) and a limit of 175 sides each for Winter and Summer semesters.  Students that reach the maximum allowable limit for free printing during any given semester may purchase additional sides at a cost of 10 cents per side.  At the end of each semester, all free balances (i.e., unused free printouts) expire and are reset for the next semester.

You can check how many sides you have available for printing here. To check your printing funds available as well as add funds to your account go to: https://www.csi.cuny.edu/campus-life/student-services/dolphin-card/deposits. You can also add funds to your printing account via a cash or credit card transaction by visiting the cash management machines located on the 1st floors of the Library or campus center.

Printers only accept 20 pages per print job. Students who need to print longer documents must break their print jobs into increments of 20 pages or less. If the filesize of a document is too large, you may have to break it into smaller increments (for example, try printing 10 pages at a time, instead of 20.) If you have difficulty printing, please see a librarian at the Reference Desk.

More detailed information on the College's print policies can be found on CSI’s web site at DolphinCard Print Policy.

Questions may be directed to the following offices:

Information Technology Services HelpDesk
helpdesk@csi.cuny.edu
718-982-HELP (4357)
2A-306D

Dolphin Card Office
dolphinCard@csi.cuny.edu
718.982.2294
3A-106        

Borrowing a laptop from the library

Currently enrolled College of Staten Island students may borrow a laptop computer for use in the library for a period of two hours. There will be a 15 minute check-in and a 15 minute check-out delay so plan accordingly and have the laptop back on time to avoid fines. Laptops can be borrowed from the Circulation Desk, on the first floor of the Library.

Borrower Requirements

Laptops must be checked out in person.
No reservations will be taken.
Borrowers must have a valid CSI ID card.
Laptops may be checked out for a two hour period.
Laptops must be returned 15 minutes before closing.
Computer competency and self-reliance are required.
Users who wish to save their work must do so using their own USB flash drive. No documents can be saved on the laptop.
Laptop must be returned in the same condition as when it went out.
Users assumes all responsibility and will be liable for any damage to laptop while checked out in your name.

Late Fines

$40.00 per hour
$10.00 per quarter-hour
No maximum fine

Checkout Times

Fall / Spring Semester

  • Monday – Sunday 9:00am – 9:30pm

Summer and Intersession

  • Monday – Friday 9:00am – 9:30pm
  • Saturday-Sunday 9:00am – 6:00pm

If a laptop is damaged or lost, the borrower will be held responsible for the repair or replacement cost of the damage or full cost of the laptop. If fees are not paid for damaged or lost item, registration will be blocked and transcripts will not be released. Library privileges will also be suspended at all CUNY campuses.

Logging onto the library's wireless network

CSI's wireless network can be accessed from any building on campus. To access the wireless network:

  1. Depending on the wireless device, Wi-Fi connectivity needs to be enabled. The Wi-Fi Utility installed on your wireless device will be able to automatically detect the Wireless Broadcast System available on campus (CSI-Student, CSI-Staff, CSI-Guest). Connect to the wireless system. (Please note: The  CSI-Guest network is provided for the convenience of visitors and guests. This network offers basic web browsing and is limited to specific services that are publicly available. It is not recommended that faculty or staff use this network since it will be more restrictive and slower than the CSI-Staff wireless network.)
  2. Once connectivity has been established, open an internet browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc…). The internet browser home page will be automatically directed to the Wireless Login Page.
  3. Login using the same username and password you use to login to campus computers. (By default, your username is your firstname.lastname and your password is your Csi+student# [# located under your picture on your ID card]). Visit the Computer Laboratory Login Procedures document for more information about computer login procedures. If you do not know your computer login, visit the OTS HelpDesk on first floor of the Library in front of 1L-109A or call 718.982.3695.
  4. After you log on to the wireless network your laptop will be scanned for malicious software, including viruses and trojans. If any malicious software is found, you will need to visit the OTS HelpDesk before being allowed to access the wireless network.

For more information about accessing the campus wireless network, visit the Student Helpdesk website.

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  • Last Updated Feb 10, 2023
  • Views 1270
  • Answered By Ewa Sukiennik-Maliga

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