Computing
The Chemistry Library houses four PCs as part of the University-wide Managed Cluster Service (MCS), formerly known as the Public Workstation Facility (PWF). Please find more information on the MCS network in the Department of Chemistry and the software available on the Software available on MCS computers website.
To use one of the computers you will need to login with your Desktop Services account login and password. Please refer to this Department of Chemistry Computing website.
There are also four docking solutions consisting of a 27″ monitor, VGA and HDMI cables.
The Computer Officers provide the first line of support for any problems with the MCS computers or docking solutions in the Department. For computing support please email support@ch.cam.ac.uk.
Free software and filespaces for University staff and students
All staff and students of the University can get free Microsoft Office Pro Plus software (the Microsoft Office bundle containing Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access for Departmentally-owned and personal computers.
Cloud based storage for University staff and students
All staff and students of the University can get three third-party cloud-based storage services, that you can associate with your @cam email address: OneDrive for Business, Google Drive, and Dropbox Business.
Printing, photocopying, and scanning in the library
MFD (MultiFunctional Device)
Print jobs can be sent from the library computers to the MFD, which is situated in the small 'Print Room' next to the Library Office. The MFD offers colour printing, photocopying and scanning.
The printer is called Chem_FindMe.
You can also print jobs from USB memory stick.
Wireless printing
You can send print jobs to the MFD using the DS-Print service for desktops and laptops, using credits from either your Local or Common Balance.
You can use Mobility Print to send documents to the MFD from a smartphone or tablet whilst on a collegiate University network, using credits from your Common Balance.
Using Cloud Print you can securely print from any location, whether inside or outside the University network. All you need is Cloud Print installed on your device, a Desktop Services account for authentication and print credit on your Common Balance.
Paying for printing and copying
Undergraduates will usually make online payments to credit their accounts for printing and photocopying jobs on these machines via their debit/credit card, through the ’Common balance’ scheme: there is more information on the UIS Printing, copying and scanning website (which also gives instructions for how to install DS-Print on your device).
Postgraduate students and researchers have a 'Local balance' in the Department and can ask library staff to credit their accounts and charge the amount to a grant/ledger code. They can of course credit a Common balance via their debit/credit card (e.g. for personal printing/copying). Please be aware however that when one balance runs out it automatically uses the other so keep an eye on your balances.
Charges for printing and copying
- A4 grayscale 4p per sheet
- A3 grayscale 8p per sheet
- A4 colour 25p per sheet
- A3 colour 50p per sheet
Note: Printing defaults to grayscale. If your print job contains any colour, you can select to print Auto Color in the print settings so that you are only charged the colour printing rate for the coloured pages.
Scanning and photocopying guidance when using the MFD
- You can use the MFD to scan documents into PDF format and email them to yourself (at your @cam address) for free.
- You can scan or copy multiple-page documents using the feeder on top of the machine, even if they are two-sided.
- Multiple-page documents can be scanned into one whole document.
- You can scan jobs to USB.
How to collect your print jobs
Instructions for using the MFD are displayed in the Print Room. Here are the basics for logging onto the MFD and releasing print jobs:
- At the MFD, login by swiping your University Card against the unit on the right-hand side of it or type in your Username and Password (the same password that you use to logon to the library computers with; you should only need to do this once and from then on use your card to login).
- Press ‘OK’ on the touch screen and then the ‘Release’ button.
- Select your print job on the touch screen and press the main print button (which should be outlined with a blue light).
- Logout by pressing the ‘Access’ button and ‘Yes’ on the touch screen.
- Print jobs can be cancelled at the MFD and the charge will be re-credited.
- After 24 hours, jobs left queued will cancel and the charge will be re-credited.
If you have any problems please contact the Computer Officers in room M18 (tel. 36506, email support@ch.cam.ac.uk) or Library staff may be able to help.
Printing, copying and scanning using other MFDs in the Department
All print jobs sent to ‘Chem_Findme’ can be released from the MFD in Room 154 (Physical Chemistry teaching lab) and Room G30 (computer room used for teaching) instead. The machines work in exactly the same way as the one in the library.
Where is Room 154?
- Exit the library and go across the walkway to get back to the main building (Mezzanine floor – M).
- Go through the double doors and walk down the corridor (M).
- Go through the double doors at the end, immediately turn right and go up the stairs. Lab entrance is straight ahead.
- Enter lab. Machine is in room on left with grey door or in the lab itself.
Where is Room G30?
- Exit the library and go across the walkway to get back to the main building.
- Go down the stairs to Reception through the double doors and the security gates into the foyer.
- Cross the foyer and go through the security gates and the double doors.
- The room is on the left, just past the door to the Accounts Office.
Dedicated catalogue and ELD (Electronic Legal Deposit) terminals
These are located next to the self-service machine. The catalogue terminal gives you quick access to the library catalogue, iDiscover, rather than having to logon to one of the library computers. The ELD terminal gives access to ELD material only. These terminals cannot be used for general internet browsing or emailing.
Wireless networks
There are four wireless networks available in the Department of Chemistry and therefore the library:
- ChemNet - chemistry network
- UniOfCam - Cambridge Wireless Network
- Eduroam - academic roaming wireless
Please see the Department Computing service Network Connections website for further information on how to get connected to the network wirelessly.
Coverage of the University Wireless service
Coverage of the city centre by the University Wireless Service
Interactive map https://www.wireless.cam.ac.uk/city/
Locations (University and college property) in which the University Wireless Service is available