Printing FAQs

Why is the library getting a new printing system?

1. When will the new system be put in place?
   The new print management solution will be installed June 11 -15, 2012
    
2. What is going away?
   The card readers attached to the print release stations and photocopiers will go away. Also the cash-to-card machines will be removed.
    
3. Why are the card readers going away?
   The card readers currently being used at the library are very old technology. They are mechanical devices that break down frequently, bringing down printing in the library when they do. They cannot be supported by the WildCARD office after June 2012.
    
4. What are the greatest benefits for users?

• A modern card swipe system
• User funds are tracked through a secure database
• Follow-me-printing – an option that allows users to release a print job at any public printer. If a printer is broken, just use another one.
• Wireless printing

How it Works

1. What is a CPAD?
   A CPAD (or TouchPad) is a touch pad display found at most public printers. They will allow users to swipe their WildCARD to display their print jobs, select their print jobs and then release them.

2. What do I need to do to print today?
   First you will need an account in the new system. You will then need to have funds in your online account to print.

3. How do I create my account for the new system?
   An account is created the first time a user logs onto the Web portal. Once the account is created, funds can be added to the account either from a credit card or by having funds remaining on the WildCARD transferred to the new account.
    
4. Why is there a security code for my WildCARD?
   A four digit pin will be required for each user's WildCARD. This is to protect the funds in the users account from being accessed if the WildCARD is lost.  The user will be prompted to set the security code the first time they go to release a print job from a CPAD. The code can also be reset on the web portal pages.

5. Do I need my WildCARD to print and photocopy?
   The easiest way to print for an NU user will be to swipe their WildCARD and pay from their online account. NU users can print without their WildCARD by entering in their NetID and password at a CPAD or a release station. In addition, NU users can use cash to print.

Transferring Funds and Funding Your Printing Account

1. How do I add money to my account?
   To add funds to your account you must first log onto the web portal. Then select the link “Add Funds”. This will take the user to a PCI compliant vendor outside NU where they can add funds with either their credit card or debit cards. In addition, users will be able to add funds to their account using cash at a print release station with a coin/cash box.
    
2. Can I add money to my account with a credit card or debit card?
   Yes. This is one of the new features of the system. NU users can log onto the web portal and add funds with their credit card or debit card accounts via a secure PCI compliant vendor. Funds can be added in $5.00 increments.
    
3. What funds are going away?
   The WildCARD office is discontinuing the CashStripe program in June 2012. Specifically this means the money added to the WildCARD from a cash-to-card machine in the library.
    
4. Is this the same as Munch money?
   No. Munch money is not going away. Only the money added to the WildCARD from a cash-to-card machine in the library.
    
5. Can I transfer funds off of my WildCARD?
   Yes. NU users with funds on the CashStripe of their WildCARD will be able to have the money transferred into the new system until January 31, 2013.
    
6. Where will I be able to transfer money from my WildCARD to the new system?
   You can transfer funds at the front desk of the Galter Library.
    
7. Can NU students/faculty/ staff transfer money off of their copy cards?
   Yes. If a student, faculty or staff person has a copy card dispensed from a card machine at the library with value still on the card, these funds can be transferred to the user’s new account.
    
8. What about transferring money off existing faculty copy cards?
   Faculty copy cards purchased from the Library circulation desk will not be transferred into a new account. Instead the money remaining on these cards can be transferred back to the original chart string for the faculty member. This service is being done by the WildCARD office.
    
9. Will refunds be giving for funds on copy cards or WildCARDs?
   No refunds will be given for funds remaining on NU users WildCARDs or copy cards. The only option is to transfer to the new system.  Users are encouraged to spend down the value on these cards and to limit the funds added to the CashStripe.
    
10. Where do I put money on a card for printing?
    Funds for printing can now be added directly into an online account for each user based on their netid. This is done using the web portal.
     

The Web Portal

1. What is the purpose of the web portal?
   The purpose of the web portal is first to allow each NU user to view their online account and to add money to their account. They will also be able to view previous print jobs, how much they have spent on printing, their carbon footprint, and to upload print jobs remotely to print at the library.
    
2. What else can I do on the web portal?
   Users can review past print jobs, view current unreleased print jobs, review their carbon footprint, upload a print job remotely to release in the library, and check their account balance.

Printing from Non-Library Computers

1. Can I print from my laptop?
   Yes!  One of the great improvements in this new system is the ability to print from mobile devices and laptops.

2. How do I print from my laptop?
   To print from a laptop, or remotely from outside the library, an NU user must first log onto the web portal. Once on the web portal the document to be printed is uploaded onto the server. Then the user can go to any library printer to release their job.
    
3. Can I send a print from outside the library?
   Yes. Simply log onto the web portal and upload your print job there.

Guest and Cash Printing

1. Why do some printers have coin boxes?
   The printer in the LRC accepts coins for FSM affiliates without NetIDs. WildCARDs can also print there.
    
2. How will guests print?
   Guests will print using cash.
    
3. Can guests get an account in the new system?
   Guest users cannot at this time get accounts in the new print management system. This is because the system is dependent on a user having a NU WildCARD and NetID.