The Learning Commons is located on the third floor of the T Wing within the Health Sciences Library. Materials are identified in the UW Libraries Catalog with a shelving location of Health Microlab.
Access to the Learning Commons 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 Learning Commons is primarily funded by UW Health Sciences Administration.
Other policies governing use of the space 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 Learning Commons. For other questions about use, see the policies below or contact Paul Ludecke, Lab 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 Learning Commons.
- 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 and must be paid with a Husky Card or Dawg Prints card.
- Dawg Prints cards may be purchased with cash from the card dispenser near the second floor copiers.
Saving Files
Do not save files on Learning Commons computers. Copying files to a network account is the preferred method of saving work. CD burners (CD-RW drives) and USB ports for USB memory drives are available on all computers.
Appropriate Use
Do not load software on Learning Commons computers. This may violate copyright law, uses valuable disk space, and risks spreading computer viruses. Exceptions may only be made after discussion with the Lab 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 lab computers.
Learning Commons 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 Learning Commons during selected hours. Lab assistants provide basic support for use of lab resources, and can answer brief questions (under 10 minutes). They have a broad knowledge of lab 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 lab resources (computers, printers, programs)
- clear the lab before a class arrives
- assist instructors with setting up classroom projection systems
- provide extensive help with specific software packages
- teach how to use a program
- answer questions related to course content
Teaching assistants may schedule TA led classes in the Learning Commons to help students use software for course assignments. Please contact the Lab Manager to talk about scheduling.
Food and Beverages
Uncovered beverages are prohibited in the Learning Commons due to risk of damage to the equipment. If you bring food or an uncovered beverage into the lab, you will be asked to put it away, discard it, or leave.
http://healthlinks.washington.edu/hsl/commons/microlab.html