Tell me about the Computer Lab

Who may use the Shimberg Health Sciences Library Computer Lab?
The Lab is exclusively for the use of students, faculty and staff of the Colleges of Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, School of Physical Therapy and the Shimberg Health Sciences Library. Access is available via your USF Health account. Non-USF Health affiliates may use Open Use Computer Labs located elsewhere on the USF campus.

Email
Email may be accessed on the computers in the Lab. Computers located outside the Lab, in the open area of the library, are not to be used for checking email.

Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, such as a fire alarm, the Lab must be cleared immediately. Lab users must lock their computer console, pick up any personal belongings, immediately leave the Lab and exit the building. Once the Lab has been cleared, the door will be locked. At the conclusion of the emergency, users will be allowed to return to the Lab.

Please refer to the Emergency Response Directory (posted on the wall next to the courtesy phone) for additional information.

Food & Drink in Labs
Food and drink items are not allowed in the Lab. Experience has taught us that liquids and crumbs are not compatible with computer equipment. Lab assistants have been instructed to deny Lab access to students bringing in these items. Drink containers, whether empty or sealed, will not be allowed in the Lab. Please cooperate and place these items in a book bag or on the designated table outside the Lab.

Internet Access
Internet access is available in the Lab.  It is the responsibility of all University students, faculty and staff to use the Computer Lab resources in a responsible, ethical and lawful manner, in accordance with the University's Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources Policy 0-502. Violators of this policy will be reported to appropriate University officials.  Wireless access is available; see USF Health IT department for assistance. 

Computers located outside the Lab, in the open area of the library, are available for use by non-USF Health users. However, their use is restricted to library resources and health research only. Open Internet access is available at the USF Tampa Campus Library and all Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library branches.

Lab Assistance
Our Lab assistants are trained to provide help to Lab users with basic computer problems. They are able to help start applications, offer help with printing, and restart computers and applications that are `hung up', etc. Please call ahead to check on availability of Lab assistants, if needed. Instruction manuals for Microsoft Office software are available for reference use in the Lab.  The USF Health IT department is also available for general computing and software application assistance at 974-6288.

Lab Hours
The Lab is open the same hours as the Library.

Portable Devices (Laptops and Handhelds)
There are separate docking zones on the first and second floors of the Library where users can use their personal laptops.

Computer Configurations and Lab Settings
The configuration of computers in the Lab is strictly controlled. Users are not allowed to install personal software on any computer.

Users will NOT change equipment configurations or attempt to use the equipment in a way other than it is setup. Misuse of this equipment can result in suspension of Lab privileges. Additional Computer Lab Rules are posted in the Lab.

Printer Use
Laser printers are available for printing in the Lab.  Check with Lab staff for current printing charges.  All printers are shut down 15 minutes before the Library closing time.

Scanner
A scanner with a legal-size bed is available for scanning text, pictures, slides, transparencies, and forms. Pagemaker, Paint Shop Pro, TextBridge Pro, OmniPage,  Adobe Acrobat, Distiller and Photoshop are loaded on the scanner computer.  The scanner computer is equipped with a DVD/CD burner.

Software
Microsoft Office 2003: (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint,& Publisher), Visio, EndNote, and SPSS are loaded on all computers in the Lab.  If in doubt, please call ahead to verify your software version is supported in the Lab.

Special software (JAWS), for users who are visually impaired, is available on one computer.

Telephones
The courtesy telephone in the Lab is provided for users responding to pages. Please try to limit your calls to 3 minutes as others may be waiting to use the phone.

USB Ports and Zip Drives
All computers are equipped with USB ports. 

Direct questions or comments about the Web site to joscott@health.usf.edu