Technology & Equipment

University Park Libraries

Available Software

Software available on computers in the Libraries and Labs at University Park.

Laptops and Calculators

Borrow laptops at the Libraries for up to 7-days with a valid PSU ID required. Check out  a calculator for up to 24 hours.  

Cameras and Media Equipment

Borrow technology and equipment for media production and viewing from Media and Technology Support Services at the Wagner Annex at University Park.

Maker Commons

The Maker Commons within the Knowledge Commons at Pattee and Paterno Library provides access to 3D printing as well as do-it-yourself electronic components.

IT Service Desk at the Knowledge Commons

The IT Walk-ups are a technology support center for students, faculty, staff, and retirees in three locations on our University Park Campus; the
Pollock Commons, the Findlay Commons, and the Knowledge Commons in the Pattee Library. Here, support specialists assist users by identifying and helping to resolve many IT-related issues like connecting to the network, installing and removing software, and helping to troubleshoot issues with personal devices

Mobile Device Charging Stations

Mobile device charging stations are available in the following locations:

  • Paterno Library
    • Student lounges on floors 2, 3, and 4
    • Microforms & Government Information
  • Pattee Library
    • Leisure Reading Room
    • Knowledge Commons (4 stations available)
    • Paterno Family Reading Room (2 Central)
  • Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library
  • Engineering Library
  • Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library
  • Earth and Mineral Sciences Library

Omnipower Omnicharge Portable Chargers

Omnicharge portable chargers provide charging for usb and AC powered devices, including laptops. Download  the Omnipower app to activate a charger at no cost for 24 hours. Chargers returned after 24 hours will incur a $10/day late fee.  Currenlty, stations are available at:

  • Paterno Library, Franklin Atrium
  • The Collaboration Commons in Pattee Library, lower level
  • Architecture and Landscpe Architecture Library
  • Earth and Mineral Sciences Library
  • Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library
  • Behrend Campus Library

 Full instructions for using this service are posted at the charger station. Inquiries should be directed to Chris Holobar at jch4@psu.edu.

Headphones

Headphones are available for checkout to patrons in the following areas:

  • Pattee Library
    • Music & Media Center
    • Center for Maps & Geospatial Information
  • Paterno Library
    • Life Sciences Library: 4-hour checkout for in-library use
  • Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library: 4-hour checkout 
  • Earth and Mineral Sciences Library: 4-hour checkout
  • Engineering Library:  4-hour checkout
  • Physical & Mathematical Sciences Library: 4-hour checkout for in-library use

Public Access Workstations

Most of our libraries (at University Park and the campuses) offer one or two workstations that provide access to databases and other resources with a limited, free Penn State Account.

Note that these types of workstations are not available at Fayette, Hershey, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre, or at the following libraries at UP: Architecture and Landscape Architecture, EMS, and Engineering.

There are a total of five workstations located in the Pattee/Paterno (Franklin Atrium, Leisure Reading Room, Special Collections, the second floor of Paterno, and the Global News Center).