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Research Guides

Technology in the Library

Technology in the Library

Library Technology Overview

Computers: There are many computers on the 1st floor and 2nd floors of the library.

  • Most of these computers (PCs & Macs) require a GC network login and provide access to a wide variety of software. Library visitors without a GC account can ask for a guest login at either the Circulation Desk (1st Floor) or Reference Desk (2nd Floor). In order to receive a guest login, visitors must provide a CUNY ID or official state-issued ID.
  • Some public (unlocked) computers are also available on the 1st floor and 2nd floor. These computers only have a web browser and basic text editor.

Wi-Fi: The Graduate Center has two wireless networks: GCcommunity (log in with GC network account credentials) and GCguest (just enter your email address). All library resources are available on the wi-fi networks.  See the IT Services website for additional information about wireless access at the GC.

Printing: Graduate Center students, faculty, and staff receive free, unlimited printing. Printing can be initiated from library computers or from any web-enabled device. Non-GC users may print from library computers to the Guest Printer for 15 cents per pageSee the Printing section on the left for more information.

Scanners: Flatbed book scanners and a KIC bookeye (overhead) scanner are located near the reference desk on 2nd floor. Patrons may save scans to USB drives or email the file directly from the scanning workstation.  Read more.

Software: See the Software section of this guide for details on the various software applications available in the library and remotely.

Microform/film/fiche: Readers are available on 2nd floor near reference desk for free scanning to PDF. PDFs may be saved on a USB drive or e-mailed.  See Microfilm Readers for additional information.

Photocopies: A color/B&W copy machine available on the 2nd floor requires a reusable copy card ($1.00) and costs 15 cents per page. Free scanning (see above) is available as an alternative.

Piano keyboard: A piano-like keyboard is available for use on the 2nd floor (in the study room with glass windows). Headphones must be used while playing the keyboard, to avoid disturbing other library users. Headphones are available for borrowing at the Circulation Desk (1st Floor).

Policies: See CUNY's Policy on Acceptable User of Computer Resources.

Assistive Technologies

There are several assistive technologies available in the Graduate Center Library and elsewhere in the GC, including JAWS, Kurzweil 1000/3000, and Zoomtext. For full information about these offerings, contact Student Affairs at studentaffairs@gc.cuny.edu or (212) 817-7400.