• Laptop Network Connections

• Public Network Port Locations (for User supplied laptops)

• Electrical Outlets in the Central Library

• Wireless Access in the Central Library
  
  
• Configuring a laptop to print to the Central Library public printer
  
  
  Laptop Network Connections

Wireless network access is available throughout the Central Library. Click here for details.

Patrons who want to use their own wireless devices in the library and who are VU faculty, staff or students can go to the following web page for instructions on configuring their devices. Please note patrons will need a VUNetID and password to get to these pages. If they do not have one, they will need to go the ITS helpdesk.

To learn the SSID for wireless access to the VU network go to http://its.vanderbilt.edu/wireless. Click 'SSID Configuration' in the Quick Links box. Enter your VUnet ID and password.

For assistance contact either the ITS help desk at 343-1631 or VUMC help desk at 343-4357.

A number of network ports have been installed in the General Library Building, which will allow patrons to bring their own network-ready laptops and connect them to the network. These ports allow users to have access to TCP/IP based resources on the network (Web services, E-mail and VUSpace) as well as access to any of the library databases available via the web, all with your own laptop based software as well.

If you have a laptop which is already configured for ResNet access from your dorm room, you are READY to go!  All you need is your laptop with your network card and RJ45 cable to plug into one of the ports.  Using one of these network ports (click for locations)  should be just like the connection from your dorm room.

Remember, if your laptop can work in Resnet it will work in the library. The ResNet webpage has links under "what to bring" for "data" networking that can take you to a description of what is needed, with links to recommendations about ethernet cards and the Networked Computing Support office.

If you do NOT already have a ResNet configured laptop, or live off campus, the instructions to configure your machine can be found here.

There are minimum standards for hardware to be compatible on the network.

It is strongly recommended that you use a 3Com network card to provide best network performance network.  The ResNet webpage has recommended models.

ResNet Guidelines for Network Cards  

Please remember the library can provide access to the network, but we are not able to provide technical support for your laptop or network card.

Public Network Ports (for User supplied laptops) in the General Library Building

Central Library

• 4th Floor - Reference Room: six ports are available at the East end of the room (just beyond Index Stand 4).  Electrical supply and network connectors are on the floor under the study tables.  Four network connectors also exist under tables at West End of Reference Room.
• 6th Floor - Eight carrels in the alcove outside of the southeast end of the Periodicals reading room closest to
  21st Avenue). Electrical and network connections are on the desktop of each carrel.  
• 6th Floor - Microform-Media Room: Four Carrels at the East end of the room.  Electrical and network connectors are on the desktop of each carrel.
• 6th Floor- Lounge area:  Two network ports on each wall near the red upholstered chairs.
• 6th Floor - Two carrels at end of the South corridor behind the main elevators.
• 6th Floor - Faculty carrels: Please inquire at Room 412 to reserve a carrel.

Electrical Outlets in the Central Library

On Floors 4-8 of the Central Library, the carrels along the walls in the stacks are the best places to use laptops because they have electrical outlets nearby. Many carrels on Floors 4-8 along the windows have electrical outlets, and all of the large old wing carrels on Floors 4-8 have outlets. Patrons can check with Circulation for specific carrel numbers. Use your laptop computer in these areas and there is no need for an extension cord.

Divinity Library

2nd Floor - Reference Room:  three network ports on the floor to the right of the small table immediately in front of you as you enter the Reference Room; and two network ports on the floor in the northwest corner of the Reference Room (on the window side of the room near the desk carrels).

Wireless Access in the Central Library

Wireless network access is available throughout the Central Library. Patrons at these locations with wireless-ready laptops and the appropriate network interface card are able to use Acorn and all web-based library databases, electronic journals, electronic books, and other research tools. Access to CD-ROM research tools is available at library workstations in the lobby or Reference area.

EQUIPMENT. Windows users should have a wireless-ready laptop with a network interface card. Network interface cards can be obtained from Network Computing Support.

PRINTING. Persons with VUmail accounts or other web-based email utilities can print documents saved on wireless-ready laptops by emailing the documents to themselves. They can then receive their emailed messages on library workstations in the lobby or Reference area and print to networked printers at these locations.

ASSISTANCE. Support for on-campus use of wireless technology is available at the ITS Help Desk.

The Library can provide network access, we can not provide technical support for making your laptop compatible with the network.