Computers & Technology

Policy: Library workstations serve the teaching and research mission of the University and have been provided for the purpose of making available to library users a wide variety of bibliographic, reference and other databases and web sites. Uses inconsistent with this mission are disallowed. The appropriation of library workstations by individuals for recreational or personal use is not permitted.

Students, Faculty, and Staff Use

Memorial Library’s Computer Lab has desktops, laptops, and other hardware (available only to those with UW ID).  InfoLab computers are equipped with a variety of software.

• Laptops can be borrowed from the Computer Lab for 7 days
• Laptop checkout availability and information

In additional to Computer Lab technology, students, faculty, and staff may use any of the Public Use computers and equipment.

Public Use

Computers for public use are available on many floors of the library. These workstations have access to the Internet, and most have Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

Note: Most locations now require a NetID and password to access. We have access to a small number of computers that do not require a password. Please visit the Welcome or Circulation Desks to learn more or contact Circulation Support to obtain a guest NetID.

If you do not have a UW-Madison NetID and password, and cannot bring a wireless device to the library, please contact Circulation Support with the date you plan to visit to request a NetID for a guest. You may also request access at the Welcome or Circulation Desks on the first floor for future visits. Receiving a Guest NetID may take at least 24 hours, and requests are processed only on weekdays. If you are requesting an Extended Day Pass, we will initiate the Guest NetID process on your behalf.

For quick use:

Elevator Lobbies (every floor)

For extended use:

Reference Department (Rm. 262)—multiple workstations
2nd Floor West Corridor—multiple workstations

Computers without log-ins

There are a limited number of computers that do not require a NetID to use. Here are the current locations of these computers:

• 1st Floor Entry: two stand-up work stations, usually used for printing
• 2nd floor, Reference Reading Room: ADA compliant work station and one work station near the Grants Information Collection
• Mills Music Library: 3 work stations

Wireless Access

UW-Madison affiliates and visitors all have access to the UW-Madison wireless network. When you first try to access the internet on your device, you should be directed to a UWNet registration page.

• If you are a UW-Madison affiliate, please enter your campus NetID and password.
• If you are a visitor or community card holder and have a temporary NetID, you may use that to log into our wireless network.
• If you do not have a temporary NetID, please click on Request Guest Access or Create a Guest Account. You will have a form to fill out and then you should be connected to our wireless network. Verbose campus instructions are available here.

Visitors from educational institutions that support eduroam can connect to the eduroam wireless network using their campus credentials. More information is available here.