Frequently Asked Questions
Connecting to the Libraries
How
can I connect to library resources from off-campus?
Many of the UI Libraries' resources are accessible from off-campus to faculty,
staff, and students only. When someone attempts to access one of these resources from off-campus,
the library's proxy server will prompt the user for their HawkID and password to continue. There is no other
setup required.
If
I am having trouble connecting, who can help?
For trouble connecting to the internet or with a HawkID or password, see ITS HelpDesk for assistance; visit online or in person, or phone (319) 384-HELP or e-mail its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu.
If you are having trouble connecting to the InfoHawk library catalog or to any of the libraries' other electronic resources, check the libraries' news blog for any technical disruptions or contact the Information/Reference Desk by phone (319) 335-5299, Instant Message® or text message, or e-mail lib-ref@uiowa.edu. Questions that cannot be answered immediately will be forwarded to the appropriate staff person. (See library hours.)
Where can I use my laptop computer to access the internet?
At present, you may use your laptop to access the internet at wired-in ports in Instructional Technology Centers (ITCs) including Hardin Library's Information Commons. NOTE: Your laptop will have to support an ethernet connection (not a telephone modem).
In addition, wireless access is available almost everywhere in all campus libraries (visit Laptops and Wireless Access). Main Library access includes study areas on all floors, all graduate student carrels on fourth floor, and the faculty offices on the fifth floor. For information on configuring your laptop to access the wireless network, see ITS' Campus Technology Services - Wireless Support.
Laptop computers are provided for checkout at the Main Library Information Desk. The Health Sciences as well as major-specific libraries also provide laptops for checkout.
UI Libraries' Laptops and Wireless Access guide.
Where can I access my e-mail and use the internet?
Your HawkID allows access to the internet at any of the ITC (Instructional Technology Center) public workstations in any of the libraries, including all computer areas on the Main Library's 1st and 2nd floors, and also the Government Information reading room, 3rd floor. Students may also use any other ITC's on campus. Because these workstations are intended primarily for UI research, non-UI-affiliated users may be blocked. While access to ITC computers may be restricted to those currently enrolled guests may obtain temporary logons at Main Library Circulation and Information desks.
The libraries also provide a public computing facility with multimedia services and complete e-mail and internet access: the Information Commons on second floor of the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences. In addition to e-mail and internet access and Microsoft Office, the Information Commons provides a wide range of software, hardware, and technology services, including multimedia development and electronic instruction capability. Because of high demand for the these services, there may be occasions when people using the workstations for resources that are uniquely available there will have priority over e-mail and internet use. Reservations are encouraged, if not required, for use of classrooms and multimedia stations.
ITS also provides a number of express e-mail stations across campus, including several in the Iowa Memorial Union. These machines provide access only to the University's web-based services. (NOTE August 1, 2009: the Information Arcade in the northwest corner of first floor no longer provides multimedia workstations and internet access; however, classes and workshops will continue to be held in room 1015, the Arcade classroom.)
Where can I find computers to do word processing?
Students may use any of the Instructional Technology Centers across campus, including Main Library's first, second, and third floors. Because technology centers are funded with student technology fees, access is restricted to currently enrolled students though library guests may obtain temporary log-in IDs at any campus library circulation desk, also the Main Library Information Desk, first floor central corridor, the Information Commons on second floor of the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, and at the Information Technology Services Help Desk in the University Capitol Centre, second floor.
Word-processing software is also available on all campus ITC computers including those housed in the Main Library. See "Where can I access my e-mail and use the Internet?" above.
The libraries also provide a public computing facility with multimedia services and complete e-mail and internet access: the Information Commons on second floor of the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences. In addition to e-mail and internet access and Microsoft Office, the Information Commons provides a wide range of software, hardware, and technology services, including multimedia development and electronic instruction capability. Because of high demand for the these services, there may be occasions when people using the workstations for resources that are uniquely available there will have priority over e-mail and internet use. Reservations are encouraged, if not required, for use of classrooms and multimedia stations.
last updated: 8/18/2011
