Computers and Laptops

Explore options for using Library-provided computers and laptops.

Chromebook Grab and Go Laptop Self-Checkout

Grab a Chromebook, sign in, and work anywhere in the Library!

This service is temporarily unavailable as we install and test new software

We must pull the Chromebooks out of production for the time being. The Grab and Go app is being deprecated as of March 31st (per Google) which will render the application inoperable. A fix has been in development, however it is not currently in production as of this time. In order to maintain the fleet we will be pulling the current available Chromebooks to store in TDX until the new app is available. We hope for that to occur very quickly and plan to re-deploy ASAP once that occurs.

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:

East Commons (Geisel 2nd Floor)
West Commons (Geisel 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

Open to the public without login.
Offer internet access and Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Major file formats are supported and printing, downloading, and e-mailing results are available.
InfoStations 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.
Windows PCs only.

Available in:

Geisel Library Service Hub and West Commons (2nd Floor West)
WongAvery Library Lobby (1st 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?

Contact campus IT at servicedesk@ucsd.edu or (858) 246-4357 for problems with campus computers or AD accounts.