University Libraries are customers of Printing Services for first time

An idea that first originated many years ago has finally been unveiled at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The University Libraries, which includes UMSL's three libraries, are now customers of Printing Services.

The Thomas Jefferson Library and the St. Louis Mercantile Library at UM - St. Louis are both located on UMSL's north campus while the Ward E. Barnes Library is located on UMSL's south campus.

Together, they hold 1.3 million government documents and over one million volumes. Students will now be able to make copies at a reduced cost with the help of a copy card.

"It's been in the process for several years. We've discussed it with faculty members who work in our libraries. We wanted to implement the program a few years ago, but the equipment we have wasn't ready," said Pam Spreen, administrative associate of the university libraries.

While UMSL's faculty and staff have been using copy cards for many years, this is the first time that the University Libraries have ever been a customer of Printing Services.

Spreen said that the copy cards are easy to use and that Printing Services is in the process of creating signage to inform students about the new service.

A copy card operates in the same way that a debit card operates. Money is loaded onto the card and is then subtracted from the card once copies are made.

Many universities across the country have already implemented a similar procedure.

However, the main difference between those universities and UMSL is that the copy card available to UMSL students is optional. A copy card is not actually required to make copies.

So where is the incentive?

"It's 30 percent savings," said Spreen.

The cost of each copy is seven cents when paying with a copy card instead of 10 cents when paying with cash; however, the card itself is not free.

The price of the card is five dollars, and any additional amount of money the student adds to the card is what will pay for the copies.

Vicki Galvin of Printing Services said that the copy card is fully refundable if the student chooses to return the card to Printing Services.

There are 35 satellite copiers all over campus and most require a copy card. A few still accept cash.

"I've been here for a year and a half. I don't know anything about the copy cards," said Ryan Ordway, junior, media studies.

Ordway is a TEC Consultant in the computer labs on campus.

He said that fellow students frequently ask him questions about where they can make copies, and he always tells them to go to one of the libraries or to the Millennium Student Center.

What students may not know is that there are scanners available to students in the computer labs. Students are able to scan their documents and then print them for free, Ordway said.

The amount of copy machines on campus outnumbers the amount of computer labs.

Wookrae, senior, international business, is also a TEC Consultant and said that he was not aware of the new copy card system until he was approached by The Current.

Despite the thirty percent savings, Wookrae said he still thinks that it is too expensive.

He said that students should go to one of the computer labs where they are able to print free of charge.

As for whether or not the copy cards will be a success, Ordway and Wookrae were not sure yet. They said it seems as though only time will tell.

Ultimately, it is up to the student to determine if the copy card system will simplify his or her college career. The cost of a document, whether seven cents, 10 cents or completely free of charge, may or may not be as valuable as the student's time alone.