Computing Resources

How do I use the databases and other electronic resources from home?
You'll need to connect to campus using either the proxy or VPN servers.

To use our electronic resources from home, you must be a university employee or currently enrolled student with a UCSBnetID.

If you are using a computer that is in an office or lab on campus, or one connected to Resnet, you should be able to access library resources just as if you were in the library. However, we have found that some software changes your IP address and may prevent you from accessing the resources. We recommend that you do the following:

    Log off of secondary Internet providers such as AOL, CompuServe or MSN
    Log out of instant messengers
    Turn off web accelerator programs
    Turn off web anoymizer programs
    Having Difficulties Accessing Research Databases?

Where can I type and print my paper?
Look for the computers with the blue “Microsoft Office Available” signs. Microsoft Word is available on these machines.

 1st Floor: Main computing area

 1st Floor: Government Information Center

 2nd Floor: Sciences Engineering Library

 5th Floor Lobby

A "viewer" for Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is available on most computers in the library. You may view and print your document, but you cannot make changes to the file.

Information about printing is here.

See also: Computing Labs

How can I save my files on library computers?
In order to make changes to an MS Word or Powerpoint file, you will need to use one of the computers with the full version of these programs. Look for the blue signs that say "Microsoft Office Available".

The most reliable method to save your work is to use a USB thumb drive. We highly recommend this method, as it is the best way to protect yourself from losing your work.

If you have e-mailed a file to yourself and want to edit it, you MUST save it to a USB drive or to our computer BEFORE making any changes. If you do not do this, it will not save your changes. WARNING: If you relying on saving the file to our computers, there is a risk involved. If the machine has to be restarted, the file will be erased and will not be retrievable. This is why we recommend that you use a USB thumb drive.

UCSB students can also save your files to your U-Storage space. To do this, see the directions below:
    U-Storage FTP Instructions
    U-Storage Web Instructions

Is there wireless in the library?
Wireless is available in these locations:

Most of the 1st and 4th floors

2nd floor near the SEL computing area and around EGSL

24 hour study room

8th Floor Graduate Study Lounge

Arts Library

There are also tables in the 24-hour study room and on the 4th floor where you can physically plug your laptop into our network.

To use wireless or plug into our network, you must be a university employee or currently enrolled student with a UCSBnetID.

    Wireless Network Instructions
    Laptop Port Network Instructions

What happens if I need a computer and they're all taken?

  We've noticed that the best time to find an available computer is in the morning or late afternoon. If you notice a misuse of our computers, please go to the nearest reference desk. Your research is our priority!

  Our Computer Use Policy

  There are also the Computing Labs on campus