Computing Technologies

Systems Overview

ADA Use Computing

Behind the Scenes: Systems Infrastructure

Overview

The Nelson Poynter Memorial Library Systems Office supports the computing needs of Library staff, librarians, students and patrons. Local support for ILLiad, Ariel, Aleph and other library related technologies is the sole responsibility of Poynter Library Systems. The library's public computing equipment is provided to enable library users to access the collections and other information resources and services in support of curriculum and research needs. Library computing resources are governed by the library’s Public Computing Usage Guidelines or Student Computing Usage Guidelines, as well as the USF St. Petersburg Network Usage Agreement .

Student Use Computing

The reference area houses thirty seven (37) Dell Optiplex desktop computers for students with valid USF NetID to access MS Office products, made available through a university-wide agreement with Microsoft. Students must supply a NetID username and password to access these systems. Available hardware and software specifications can be found by location using our Hardware & Software Resource Guide.

Public Use Computing

Public computing areas include the WebExpress area with three stand-up use computers, stack catalog machines, with eight computers on all three floors of the library, and a community / affiliated user area consisting of four computers. The WebExpress and stack catalog machines provide access to Online USF Libraries Catalogs, the NetID system, and USF based web pages.

Patrons affiliated with USFSP partner institutions (ID required) may use designated computers on the first floor.  Other community patrons may use the computers only for research in library databases that are linked to the Nelson Poynter Library or USF Libraries web pages.  For open Internet and email use, please visit a public library.

Lab Use Computing

The Bibliographic Instruction Lab is located on the second floor of the library in POY 218, and consists of twenty six (26) student workstations and one (1) instructor station. Used primarily for Library instruction courses and training, this lab is also available for USF based training as well as non-USF parties for a fee. The use of this room is by reservation only, please schedule access to the room through Tina Neville via email at Neville@nelson.usf.edu or by phone at (727) 873-4081.

Additional projection equipment available in the lab consists of an ELMO document camera and a PROXIMA projection system. For more specific information concerning the hardware and software of the lab, please visit the Bibliographic Instruction Lab Guidelines and Policies Page.

Our library also provides assistive technology to patrons with disabilities through our various computer and hardware aids throughout the library. Optical and computer enhanced visual aids are available upon request through the reference desk. Housed in POY 137, the ADA Visual Aid Room includes a Telesensory Aladdin Classic, as well as various software for screen reading and magnification. Please visit our ADA Access Services page for more information as well as a list of available hardware and software.

Behind the Scenes: Computing Infrastructure

Computing services are provided by a Windows 2008 server environment which is both fragmented and redundant for stability, running on a combination of Dell Poweredge and Sun products. We host separate servers for Internet information, email, printing, file services, patch management and disk imaging. The systems area is climate controlled and power protected, providing a robust and stable environment.
	Rack-mounted Servers
	The Computing Network Fiber distribution switches form the base of the library network hub and provide the connectivity for the additional seventeen downstream data switches which provide network services for computing. A wireless network is available on all floors of the library allowing students to research via laptops provided for checkout. An alternative is for students to use their own computers, providing they have a wireless network card. The Systems and Technology Office also provides assistance to patrons with disabilities through our various computer and hardware aids throughout the library. Optical and computer enhanced visual aids are available upon request. Please visit our Patron Disabilities Services Page for more information.
Fiber and Copper Connectivity