HealthLinks: Health Sciences Microlab

The Microlab is located on the third floor of the T Wing within the Health Sciences Library. The lab opens at the same time as the Health Sciences Library and closes 15 minutes earlier. Materials are identified in the UW Libraries Catalog with a shelving location of Health Microlab.

Access to the Microlab is limited to UW Health Sciences students, faculty, and staff. Visiting faculty and staff can arrange to use the Microlab through their UW departments. Students currently enrolled in health sciences courses have priority for use of equipment and software. Use of assigned instructional software has first priority. Word processing, email, and other personal productivity software have second priority. Games and personally-owned software are not allowed. The Microlab is primarily funded by UW Health Sciences Administration.

Other policies governing use of the lab include the Policy on the Use of Libraries Public Computer Equipment, the Policy on Libraries Disruptions, and other University and state rules and regulations

Alumni, King County Medical Society members, non-UW borrowers, and non-health sciences students, are not allowed to use the Microlab. Alternative access to computing facilities is available off-campus in the University District. For other questions about use, see the policies below or contact Paul Ludecke, Microlab Manager, ludes@u.washington.edu.

Drop-In Computers

You must be UW Health Sciences faculty, student, or staff to use computers in the Health Sciences Microlab.
Sign in at the service desk.
Computers in the classrooms may be reserved for instructional use.
A variety of hardware and software is available.
If people are waiting for computers, those who have had computers for more than two hours will be bumped. People waiting for a computer must remain by the desk. If your name is called and you do not respond, the computer will be assigned to the next person on the waiting list.
There is an instructor station in each classroom. These may be checked out, but an instructor may claim the station at any time to prepare for a class.
Stations left unattended for 15 minutes may be shut down and reassigned by the lab assistant.
Stations marked as priority for handicapped use, or for the use of scanners and CD-RW drives, may be claimed at any time for their intended use.

Printing

Laser printing is self-service. The cost is 10¢ per page for black and white and may be paid with a Copico Copicard or cash.
Copy cards may be purchased with cash, credit card, check, or budget number at the Front Desk on the second floor of the library, or with cash from the card dispensers near the second and third floor copiers.
Copico Copicards are NOT accepted at other computer labs on campus.
Computing & Communications laser printer Husky cards are NOT accepted for printing in the Health Sciences Libraries.

Saving Files

Do not save files on Microlab computers. All unofficial files will be removed. Copying files to a uniform access account is the preferred method of saving work. However, 3 1/2" double sided, double density (DSHD) disks will work on all Microlab computers. Disks can be purchased at the Front Desk and the University Bookstore. CD burners (CD-RW drives) are available on all computers.

Appropriate Use

Do not load software on Microlab computers. This may violate copyright law, uses valuable disk space, and risks spreading computer viruses. Exceptions may only be made after discussion with the Microlab Manager. This applies to software found on CD-ROMs in the library collection as well as personal software. CD-ROMs from the library collection can be used in the Microlab by appointment only.

No games are allowed on Microlab computers.

Microlab software is protected by United States copyright law. Making copies is a violation of copyright law, and is prohibited.

Health-related material is sometimes graphic and may make some users uncomfortable. Please respect their concerns when viewing such material by choosing the least visible workstation or turning your monitor away from others.

Lab Assistants

Lab assistants are scheduled in the Microlab during selected hours. Lab assistants provide basic support for use of Microlab resources, and can answer brief questions (under 10 minutes). They have a broad knowledge of Microlab resources, but do not have detailed knowledge of any specific program. To learn a software package, please use the manuals on the course reserve shelves. Most provide tutorials with examples.

Lab assistants:

answer brief questions regarding the use of Microlab resources (computers, printers, programs)
clear the Microlab before a class arrives
assist instructors with setting up classroom projection systems

Lab assistants do not:

provide extensive help with specific software packages
teach how to use a program
answer questions related to course content

If your students need instruction on using software, please plan on conducting a class in the Microlab.

Teaching assistants may schedule office hours in the Microlab to help students use software for course assignments. Please contact the Microlab Manager to talk about scheduling.

Food and Beverages

Food and uncovered beverages are prohibited in the Microlab due to risk of damage to the equipment. If you bring food or an uncovered beverage into the Microlab, you will be asked to put it away, discard it, or leave.