Computers and Laptops

Explore options for using Library-provided computers and laptops.

Long-Term Laptop Lending

For students with significant financial need who have need for a long-term loan of a laptop, you may apply to the campus laptop loan program. Questions may be sent to techlending@ucsd.edu.

Productivity Workstations (most of the library computers)

• Require student, staff, or faculty login via Active Directory account.
• Offer internet access and a full range of research and productivity software, including Microsoft Office.
• Workstations are updated and rebooted each night; any user data on the hard drive is erased. Save data on external media or the cloud, or email files.
• All areas include both iMacs and Windows PCs.

Available in:

• Geisel East Commons (2nd Floor)
• Geisel West Commons (2nd Floor)
• Brody Collaborative Space (Geisel 1st Floor West)
• WongAvery Library Commons (1st Floor)

Software Installed on Library Computers

Core Software

• List of Core Software

Specialty Software

• ArcGIS (Geisel PCs only)
• Autodesk (Geisel 2 East PCs only)
• MatLab
• Mathematica
• Mendeley Desktop (Macs Only)
• R Statistical Computing
• Stata
• Zoom

Productivity Workstations in the Library are maintained by UC San Diego ETS. To locate specific software on campus computers, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@ucsd.edu or by phone at (858) 246-4357.

InfoStation Computers

The UC San Diego Library provides limited public access computers. InfoStations are intended for research, scholarship, and other academic work. While the Library supports open access to the internet, employees may ask a library user to vacate an InfoStation for the following reasons:

• Priority is given to UC faculty, staff and students, and those using government resources
• A 30-minute time limit may be imposed when others are waiting 
• Use of InfoStations for chat room messaging; Instagram, Facebook, and other social media communications; games; and commerce is not permitted

We have two models of InfoStations available

InfoStation Kiosk

Access to internet browser in private/incognito mode

Access to printing via Wepa Print app

No access to internal or external storage (file explorer or USB drives)

No access to the Windows desktop or any other applications

No external sound, please bring wired headphones to listen to audio

Available in Geisel West Commons (2nd Floor West) and WongAvery Library Lobby (1st Floor)

InfoStation PC Lite

Access to limited Windows desktop and applications

Access to printing via Wepa Print app

Access to Adobe Acrobat Pro

Access to external storage (USB drives)

No access to Microsoft applications

No external sound, please bring wired headphones to listen to audio

Available in the Geisel Service Hub (2nd Floor)

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

• Four docking stations are available in the East Commons (Geisel 2nd Floor) and 10 in the West Commons (Geisel 2nd Floor) for those bringing their own laptop, but who wish to use a full-size keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
• One docking station is available in the WongAvery Grad Lounge.
• These stations offer various connections including VGA, DVI, HDMI, Displayport, and mini-Displayport (Apple thunderbolt) video hookups.
• Many items to support BYOD activities (e.g., adapters and chargers) are available in the  Tech Lending Program.

Tech Lending Program (TLP)

• The TLP loans technology items like adapters, chargers, flash drives, and headphones to UC San Diego faculty, staff, and students.
• Do a keyword search in UC Library Search for the item you want, or search for "Tech Lending Program" for a browseable list. You can also view our inventory of media tools, chargers / cables / adapters, and productivity items.
• Send TLP-related questions, comments, and suggestions to  reserves@ucsd.edu

Specialty Computing

• Digital Media Lab (East Commons, Geisel 2nd Floor) is a multimedia production / postproduction studio.
• Data & GIS Lab (West Commons, Geisel 2nd Floor) offers data and GIS software.

Questions or Problems?