Computers, Printers, Copiers

Frost LibraryLevel A. Photo taken April 2005 by Frank M. Ward.

  • wireless throughout
  • 18 reference/research Windows computers on the main floor / 4 on other floors (installed software)

Level A Lab

  • 38 Windows computers (guest login available)
  • 30 Apple computers
  • U:\ drive access from all computers
  • installed software
  • computers open for use?
  • scanner for up to 12" x 17" behind the supervisor's desk
  • open all Frost hours
  • IT-trained student supervisors available to help during the academic year

Morgan Music Library

Keefe Science Library

Check computer availability

    Thesis writers note:  All library printers (and copiers) meet the registrar's standards for paper and printer quality.

    Frost Library

    Main Floor:

    • 1 black & white printer, 8.5" x 11", single-sided for use by people without Amherst network logins.

    Level A lab:

    Morgan Music Library

    Keefe Science Library

    Printing Instructions -- College-owned computers

    Amherst College Students, Faculty, and Staff

    1. Select document, web page, etc., to print.
    2. Choose BW_Q (black and white) or COLOR_Q (color) printing on the print options dialog window. 
    3. Go to the most convenient printer (not necessarily the closest printer physically – you may issue the print command from a computer in Frost, but opt to pick the job up from a printer in SMudd) and swipe your Amherst ID card on the Pharos touchpad attached to the printer you choose.
    4. Select the job(s) you want printed from the displayed list of your waiting job(s).
    5. Retrieve job(s) from printer.

    Note:  The first time using the card reader, users will be required to enter their Amherst username and password.  This is a one-time only requirement!

    • Double-sided printing is the default.
    • Printing costs are charged to users' College accounts. (Faculty and staff should check with their departments about any charges before issuing print commands.)  Students: Visit the Comptroller's office to add money to your account, if needed.
    • Costs are:
    • $0.05/sheet for single- or double-sided 8.5x11" black & white
    • $0.35/sheet for single-sided 8.5x11" color

    Mobile Printing -- Laptops, Phones, Tablets, etc.

    Mobile printing is available from any device which provides email (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.).

    If you require more flexibility and specific settings such as multiple copies or single-sided printing, use directy printing from a computer center computer. Mobile printing is meant for printing one copy of a document, double-sided (as applicable).

    The process is:

    1. Select document, web page, etc., to print.
    2. Email the document from your Amherst email account (as an attachment or as the body of a message) to
      mprint@amherst.edu         for black & white
      or
      mprintcolor@amherst.edu for color
    3. Receive a confirmation email from Pharos that your document is waiting to print.
    4. Go to the most convenient printer and swipe your Amherst ID card on the Pharos touchpad attached to the printer you choose.
    5. Select the job(s) you want printed from the displayed list.
    6. Retrieve job(s) from printer.
    7. Costs are the same as from college-owned computers:
      • $0.05/sheet for single- or double-sided 8.5x11" black & white
      • $0.35/sheet for single-sided 8.5x11" color

    Document types you can print with mobile print are:

    Word -- .doc, .dot, .docx, .rtf
    Excel -- .xls, .xlt, .xlsx, .xltx, .xltm, .xlsm, .csv
    Powerpoint -- .ppt, .pptx, .pptm, .pot, .pps, .potx, .ppsx
    PDF -- .pdf
    Images -- .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .gif
    Email messages -- .txt, .mht, .eml
    Visio -- .vsd, .vss, .vst, .vdx, .vsx, .vtx, .vdw

    Note:  Be sure to send from your Amherst account if you have multiple accounts configured on your device.

    For more details, see IT's instructions.

    Five College Students and Others Without Amherst Accounts

    • Black & white, 8.5" x 11", single-sided printing only.
    • Printing works with pre-paid copy cards purchased from the Circulation Desk, for $2.00 (20 copies) or $5.00 (50 copies).
    1. Select Frost Library Public Printer from the <printer> menu then click <OK> or <print> from the dialog box.
    2. Create a Job Name (recommended) when prompted and click <Print Document>.
    3. Pick up your printouts at the public printer under the clock next to the Research & Instruction Office.
    4. Insert the prepaid copy card in the card reader next to the printer
    5. Click on the Job Name for your document, then click <Print Selected Job>.
    6. Click Log out to retrieve your copy card.
    7. Print jobs are automatically deletedwhen you pick up your prints or after 2 hours

    Printing Refunds

    Refunds are issued only when equipment fails to print properly, not when documents don't look as expected.

    • Amherst students/faculty/staff should request a refund by completing the form available at either the A level lab supervisor desk or the Music or Science service desk.
    • Everyone else should request a refund at the Frost Circulation desk.

      Thesis writers note:  All library copiers (and printers) meet the registrar's standards for paper and printer quality.

      • 2 copiers on Frost first floor -- accept AC OneCard and cash
      • 1 copier in Keefe Science -- accepts AC OneCard and cash
      • 1 copier in Morgan Music -- accepts AC OneCard and cash

      All copies are $.10 each.

      There are no self-serve color photocopiers on campus. Collective Copies, located nearby on the Amherst common, will make color copies for a fee.

        • Large format (12" x17") transparency scanner in Frost A level computer lab (behind the Supervisor desk, near the video stacks)
        • Scan to e-mail feature on all library copiers:
        1. * Press “Energy Saver” on console to wake up copier/scanner if screen is dark
        2. * Press “All Services” button on console
        3. * Press “E-mail” on screen
        4. * Press “New recipients” on screen
        5. * Type in “To” address on screen
        6. * Press “Close” on screen
        7. * Press “Start” button on console to make scan
        8. * Press “Next Page” or “Last Page,” as appropriate
        9. * Your scan has been e-mailed; press “All Services” on console
        10. * Press red “Complete” button on tower for your refund

        Even if you deposit paper bills, only coins will be returned. 

        There is no limit on the number of pages you may scan, but be aware that large scans will be broken into multiple e-mails if files exceed 2MB.  Maximum original dimensions are 11” x 17”.

          Students may use the fax machine at the Career Center.