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Using Computers in the Library

This information pertains to the libraries at University Park.  For information on other campus libraries, visit the Campus College Libraries page.

You may search the CAT (library catalog) from library computers marked "LIAS EXPRESS" without logging on. The LIAS EXPRESS computers also provide Internet access to Penn State Web sites, along with governmental Web sites. Visitors may also search most library databases using the LIAS EXPRESS computers.

Connecting to the Internet

Wireless Internet is available in most PSU libraries. Library laptops are wireless-ready. Patrons with personal laptops must install the Cisco virtual private network (VPN) client in order to connect wirelessly. Go to Penn State Wireless for more information.

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Accessing your Penn State Access Account Storage Space (PASS)

Note: Default PASS space allocation is 500 MB. Go to ITS's PASS resources for more information.

To connect:

Go to https://explorer.pass.psu.edu/, or:

  1. Open a Web browser and go to https://portal.psu.edu/.
  2. Click on Login in the upper left corner, and enter your Access ID and password.
  3. Your should see the PASS Explorer on your Portal page. If it is not there, click on Add Channels in the upper right corner of the page. In the Categories drop-down menu, select Access Account Services. In the Channels box, highlight Penn State Access Account Storage Space. Then click on Add and Save.
  4. On your portal homepage, click on PASS Explorer.

To save a file from your computer to your PASS space:

  1. Save the file on the computer's hard drive.
  2. In the PASS Explorer window, click on Upload File.
  3. Click on Browse and select the file.
  4. Click Upload to save the file.

You should now be able to access the file from any other computer by accessing your PASS space online. You can also mount your PASS space as a drive on your computer by following the instructions for connecting via the Samba PASS Gateway.

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Borrowing Laptops
Laptop computers are available for loan to registered students, faculty and staff at most Penn State University Libraries.  Ask your local PSU library for details.
  • You must present a valid Penn State ID to borrow laptop computers.
  • Laptops are available from most PSU libraries for 24-hour, in-house use only. Laptops loaned for 24 hours must remain in the Library and must be returned at least 30 minutes before the Library closes.
  • Laptops are also available from the Pattee Library Reserves desk (University Park campus) for 7-day loan. Laptops loaned for 7-days may leave the library and are subject to overdue fees of $25.00 per day for each day overdue. Laptops not returned within 4 days of the date due may be presumed lost and replacement fees of $2,500, in addition to overdue fees, may be assessed.
  • Upon return, all laptops are re-imaged and any files or programs saved to the laptop during use are deleted and cannot be retrieved. Always make copies of your work before returning the laptop.

Laptop Specs

You are responsible for any laptop borrowed on your account. Do not leave laptops unattended for any length of time. Report any hardware or software problems to a Library service desk immediately.

Dell Latitude D630

Hardware

  • Dell Latitude 620 or 630
  • Intel Centrino Core 2 Duo processor (2 GHz)
  • 2 GB RAM
  • DVD +/- RW optical drive
  • Four USB 2.0 ports
  • Intel Pro/Wireless 3945 WiFi 802.11 a/b/g card
  • 14.1" WXGA display

Software

  • Windows XP Professional OS
  • Microsoft Office 2007
  • Adobe Acrobat 8.0
  • Symantec Antivirus
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • iTunes and QuickTime
  • Trillian IM client
  • Cyberlink Power DVD


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LIAS VPN

The LIAS-VPN (different from the VPN used for on campus wireless) is designed to help PSU users working from home to more seamlessly connect to the databases. It makes the home computer "look like" it is on campus and also makes a "secure tunnel" through which the information communicated passes. LIAS VPN is also used for music audio reserves.

LIAS VPN also allows the "get-it" button to appear in Google Scholar and in other places when the other VPN will not work. The LIAS VPN comes in with the VPN client and is at the very bottom of the list of connections after all the campuses.

Note: You can not use the LIAS VPN for wireless at UP or other on-campus locations. It is intended to be used by people who are not at a Penn State location to access the databases and other licensed library resources.

For software assistance, refer patrons to an ITS Consultant at the Gateway Commons or the ITS Consulting Services helpdesk. 

More information about accessing the Penn State network (including the VPN, and accounts).

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Using an iPod Touch/iPhone on the Wireless Network
Instructions can be found here.
STAAR Accounts

If visitors without Penn State Access Accounts have research needs that require Internet access to other URLs, they can request a Short Term Access Account for Research (STAAR). A STAAR account allows you to login/authenticate to Penn State services for a limited time. The University Libraries will issue a STAAR for one day. At University Park, the Gateway desk as well as Lending Services on the first floor of Pattee Library issue STAAR accounts. For other locations, contact  the campus library.

A current, valid photo ID is required (driver's license, state or national identity card, or passport). K-12 students must have a parent or guardian sign the application for them.

Visiting professors and other academics in residence for an extended period should check with their sponsoring department.

The University Libraries is not an internet service provider. STAAR accounts are intended to provide temporary internet access to facilitate research and scholarly communication, to provide non-PSU users a means to email research materials obtained through Library resources, and to provide assistance to colleagues visiting from peer institutions.

Printing in the Libraries
Current information on printing can be found here.
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Collaborative Workstations

There are several areas around the libraries available for group study around a computer workstation. These computers feature 24" wide screen displays for easy group viewing and memory card readers supporting all the popular flash memory card formats including:

  • Compact Flash
  • XD and SD cards
  • Memory Stick
  • Multimedia Cards
  • USB Flash Drives

These workstations can be found in the following areas: 

  • Social Science Library
  • Business Library
  • Life Sciences Library
  • Course Reserves Reading Room
  • Music and Media Center

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