Computers in the Library

Do you know there are over 200 computers (desktops and laptops) available for use in the Dick Smith Library?  Machines are located on each floor.  

Last year (FY 18) our desktop computers were used more than 323,747 hours with over 180,250 logins! 

Because our computers are so heavily used, we provide a Real Time Computer Availability map that shows which computers are busy and which ones are available for you to use.

Here is a list of some of the most used software and websites on library computers.  See your favorite on the list?

• Google Chrome - 62,870 launches with 38,464 focused hours
• Firefox - 51,461 launches with 26,786 focused hours
• MS Word - 70,920 launches with 25,044 focused hours of work
• MS Excel - 6,352 launches with 1,899.6 work hours
• YouTube - 1,108 launches with over 849.4 hours of videos watched
• Gmail - 1,959 launches and 100.2 hours of use 
• Photoshop -  873 starts with over 285 hours of use

The best thing about library computers is that they come with help!  The staff at both the Reference Desk and the Tech Spot are nearby to assist you if needed. 

If you have any questions about the computers in the library please contact the Library System Department (libsys@tarleton.edu) or 254-968-9030.

New Laptop Vending Machine

We've added a second laptop vending machine on the top floor of the library. This vending machine works the same way as the machine on the main floor and has 12 laptops available for checkout, in addition to the 24 available for checkout on the main floor.

As a reminder, to use the machine:

1. Swipe your Texan Card.
2. Enter your NTNET password.
3. Agree to the terms.
4. Take the laptop that pops out of the machine.
5. Return the laptop to the machine from which you checked it out within 4 hours.

Please make sure to return your laptop from the machine you checked it out from. The machine will warn you that the laptop doesn't go in that machine, but if you miss the message and leave it in the wrong machine, you will incur late fees.

We hope you will enjoy the added laptops!

Laptop Lending Machine

In case you missed the big surprise unveiling yesterday, here's a look at something new the library has to offer: a Laptop Lending Machine!

Dr. Dottavio and SGA President Jay Johnson were the first two people to swipe their Texan Cards and try out the new laptop loan vending machine.

The process is simple, and you no longer have to wait in line at the Circulation Desk to check out a laptop.

All you need is your Texan Card and your NTNET password to check out a fully charged laptop for four hours. You will also receive a receipt in your Tarleton email inbox to show when the transaction was completed after you return the laptop.  

Come by the library and try it out for yourself!

Need assistance?

Stop by the Reference Desk located nearby or call (254)968-9249.

New Collaboration Tables!

The collaboration tables in the library have multiplied! We now have four collaboration table booths, and two collaboration table rooms in the new library learning commons, as well as our original collaboration table on the lower level. These tables and rooms are great for working on group papers or projects, researching together or group exam review. Everyone can share their own screens, and see the large screen monitor. No more huddling around a lab computer or someone's laptop!

All the collaboration tables are equipped with a large screen TV monitor, an on board computer, wireless keyboard and mouse and connectors for four other devices. Just push the button on the cord to display that device. Pro tip: If you are using the on board computer along with other connected devices, disconnect the other devices to return to viewing the on board computer. The connectors are all HDMI or VGA, but if you need a different kind of connector, ask at the circulation desk. We have connectors for iPads, tablets, and many other devices available for check out.