Printing Services and Prices
Academic/research libraries offer users a wide variety of kinds of information sources, such as online catalogs, electronic databases of indexes and abstracts, full text databases, web sites, video, and audio. As the technology of presenting and packaging information changes, users need higher capacity, more convenient printing services. To recover printing expenses the library is now charging for printing.
In this library you will find two kinds of payment systems:
- The ONID system, used in other campus computer labs.
- The CBORD system, used for dining and other campus services.
Students, staff, and faculty may pay for copies by using the ONID printing account, or by adding money to their OSU ID card. For the general public, an OSU convenience card is available for printing.
What are the prices for computer printouts and photocopies?
- Self-service photocopies cost 7 cents a page with a card and 10 cents if you use cash/coin.
- Print one-sided 7 cents per page
- Print two-sided 14 cents
- Laser color computer printouts 40 cents per page. Color photocopies 75 cents per page.
- Microform reader/printer copies cost 10 cents per page.
- Specialized copy services continue to be separately priced.
How do I purchase copies?
Students, Staff, and Faculty:
The ONID printing system is available in all computers that require an ONID password and login name. Using the ONID printing system you will be charged on your ONID account. The University will then bill you via your account. Log in to ONID to look at your printing information and keep track of your printed jobs.
In all computers that do not require an ONID password and login name, you must use your OSU identification card. You can add money to your card at the OSU Card Cash/Add Value terminal in the Copy Center of the Valley Library. There are instructions on the machine. You may also add money by cash or by charging your OSU account at the OSU ID Center, Kerr Administration, Room B094 (basement); Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
General public:
You can purchase an OSU convenience card at the OSU Card Cash/Add Value terminal in the Copy Center. You may want to consider purchasing a convenience card to use as a library card, if you don't have one. In that case, purchase a convenience card at Circulation in the Valley Library. The card costs $1.00 and you can add more money to pay for copies, as well as food and coffee. Anyone can purchase and add money to an OSU convenience card. Cards also can be purchased at the OSU ID Center, Kerr Administration, Room B094 (basement); Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
You can use cash/coin in a limited number of copiers and microform reader/printers. Please note: this option is not available for laser printers.
Are there any printers or copiers that accept coins or cash?
To save staff time and improve security, the library is reducing the number of change machines and copiers that accept cash and coins. There are no cash/coin-operated printers in the Information Commons, but there is one copier in the Copy Center, one copier on the 1st floor, and one microfilm reader/printer on the 3rd floor where you can use cash/coins.
Copying is self-service; instructions are provided on the copiers. More photocopy information.
If you need help with the microform reader/printers, go to the Government Information and Maps Desk located on the 3rd floor, or the Reference Desk in the Information Commons. If you need help with the laser printers in the Information Commons, talk to the staff at the Reference Desk in the Information Commons.
