Printing from the Public Computer Workstations
FAQs:
Why Charge for Printing?
Who is charging for printing?
All campus IT computer labs and all Evanston campus libraries with computer facilities.
What are my alternatives to printing?
It is possible to email results to yourself or copy them onto portable media such as a USB flash drive or a CD-R/CD-RW. You can then print them on your own printer or your department's printers. You can also print to select Library printers directly from your personal computer via Laptop Printing. More information on how this system works is available at http://www.library.northwestern.edu/services/printing/.
Why is Northwestern University instituting charges?
The major factor driving the decision was the massive amount of waste that all printing labs see on a daily basis. Patrons of the labs and the libraries routinely print documents they never pick up. Similarly, many patrons do not try to eliminate wasteful practices such as printing an entire website instead of the one page needed. We wish to encourage responsible printing to ensure a wise use of resources.
Another important element in the decision was the radical change in the online climate. Over the past three years vast amounts of materials have become available electronically. The increasing availability of full-text articles and books online has blurred the distinction between photocopying (always a fee-based service) and printing. The areas that supply free printing have experienced exponential cost increases that continue to rise each year.
How much is charged for printing?
Simplex Printing (one-sided): 5 cents per sheet.
Duplex Printing (two-sided): 8
cents per sheet.
(The library's Electronic Reference Center,
Information Commons, and Science and Engineering Library will provide 2-sided
printing.)
Why charge 5 cents and 8 cents?
The 5 cent and 8 cent charge will encourage responsible printing without placing an undue burden on individuals. It will also ease the financial strain on departments that have to support printing. The charge will allow only for partial cost recovery. Beyond the obvious cost of paper and toner, the labs also must pay for frequent equipment repair and replacement.
How does this compare to other institutions?
The Big Ten:
All but one Big 10 institution charges for printing;
most of them charge more than 5 cents/page.
Chicago Area:
All but 2 Chicago-area academic libraries charge
for printing, with costs ranging from 5-10 cents/page.
Peer Institutions:
Stanford University, University of Chicago, University
of Pennsylvania and Washington University all charge for printing.
Public Libraries:
Most public libraries in the area charge 10 cents/page.
Last Updated: 11/6/2007
