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TCC Library: Computers, Printing & Scanning

Computers in the library

Computer Use Inside the Library

(click on image to enlarge)

Photo of computers in the TCC LibraryThere are 80 computers are available for research, document production, and other college-related activity. When there are no classes scheduled in the library classroom (Room 5) in the north of the library, near the Research Desk, the computers and tables there are open for use as well. 

  • Students log in to the computers with their Portal Login.
  • Computer give students access to the Internet, as well as the Library's Research Databases and catalog (accessed from the library's homepage). 
  • All computers connect to printers, which can print in black and white or color.
  • See "Accessibility" under the About tab for more info about adaptive technology for students with special needs. 
  • There are DVD & VHS players available.
  • Headphones and other tech equipment are available for checkout at the Front Desk.
    • Public/Guest access to computers & printing is available at limited times. See "Library policies & conduct" under the About tab for more details.

Note: The library does not have a fax machine.

Please see TCC Acceptable Use Policy (linked below) to ensure compliance.

Wi-Fi on Campus

  • A wireless network is available in the library and on campus.; it is called "Titan Public"
    • No log in is needed, but there is a terms of agreement button to select before connecting.
    • All laptops and wireless devices can be connected to the wi-fi network.
    • Wireless printing is no longer available.
  • Additionally, in response to Covid-19, TCC has connected with the local internet service provider, Rainier Connect, to lend hot spots to qualifying TCC students. 
    • Students interested in seeing if they qualify for a hot spot, should contact the following email: freewifi@tacomacc.edu 
  • TCC (and many libraries across the state), have also created extra, free, drive-up wi-fi options. Use the links below to learn more. 

Computers & Tech Equipment Rentals in the Information Commons

There are over 80 computers in the Information Commons, as well as printers, a wide array of tech equipment, study rooms, tech support, and more. The Info Commons are located on the first floor (Room 120) of Building 16, the  Information Technology Building. Use the link below for more info about hours and services.

Laptops Rentals & Other Tech Equipment

See the linked page below for more info about borrowing a laptop or other library equipment 

Printing & Scanning

Printing in the Library

Printing on campus is a two step process that requires you to log into both a campus computer and then the printers. Detailed instructions, printing prices, and more info are linked below. 

Printing Instructions

Use the link to see step-by-step instructions of what is written below. 

 

  1. First, log into a computer on campus (using your Portal log in info), and then locate the documents you want to print. Select "Print" from whatever application you're printing from (Word, the internet, etc.). Be sure to check the settings before printing:
    • Choose "color" or "black and white" from the print screen menu (Note: This is often under the "More settings" option). 
    • Choose "print on both sides" if you want a double-sided copy (Note: This is often under the "More settings" option). 
       
  2. After you send a document to print as noted above, go to printer/copy machines located near the front desk at the entrance of the library to release your documents. 
    • Log into the printer's screen using your Portal username (without the @student.tacomacc.edu) and password.
      • Select "Print Release" and you will then see the document/s you and can select to print.
      • Be sure to log out of the printer using the small arrow icon in the upper right corner (next to where you will see your name).

Note: There are no longer any wireless printing options on campus. 

Printing Costs
  • New students start at TCC with $1.50 on their printing account. Once this is used, all students must then cover the expense of printing.
  • It is 10 cents per page for black & white (or 15 cents for double-sided)
  • It is 45 cents per page for color (or 75 cents for double-sided)
     
Adding Money to your Account

The printers don't take cash, card or change. Rather, all funds are linked to student accounts.

  • Cash or silver coins can be added to student accounts with the "Add Value" Machine in the library.
    • Note: The machine will not give change, so exact bills/coins are needed. Credit/debit cards are not accepted at this time.

Note: The general public do have the same printing options but need to bring cash/change to print.

Scanning & Photocopying

Using the same copy machines/printers, you can also do the following:

  • make black & white or color copies
  • print from a USB
  • scan a text or image that you can then print, save to a USB drive, or send to your student email address. 
     

Scanner/Copy Machine Instructions

Linked here are detailed instructions, with screenshots, of how to use the scanning feature on the machine.

Scanning/Printing Costs:
  • It is free to scan something to a personal USB, or email to your student email address (personal email addresses are not permitted)
  • If you want to print what you scan/copy, normal printing costs apply
    • It is 10 cents per page for black & white (or 15 cents for double-sided)
    • It is 45 cents per page for color (or 75 cents for double-sided)
      • See the previous tab for more info about adding funds to your student account or other payment options.

Note: Scanning/Copying options may be available for public users. Speak to the Front Desk for more info and options for non-TCC users.

How to Get Help with Copy Machines:

Get additional help using this machine by asking at the nearby Front Desk or Research Desk OR use the printed instructions near the machine.

CC BY SA license

Except where otherwise noted, the content in these guides by Tacoma Community College Library is licensed under CC BY SA 4.0.
This openly licensed content allows others to cite, share, or modify this content, with credit to TCC Library. When reusing or adapting this content, include this statement in the new document: This content was originally created by Tacoma Community College Library and shared with a CC BY SA 4.0 license.

Tacoma Community College Library - Building 7, 6501 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98466 - P. 253.566.5087

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