Friday, November 16, 2012

After Thanksgiving, the University of Georgia will offer a new option for printing that uses cloud technology to print documents at kiosks.

The university's Enterprise Information Technology Services is installing 10 print kiosks that will allow users to send documents from their computers, mobile devices or a USB flash drive to an Internet-based storage location for printing for later retrieval at one of the kiosks on its main campus and the Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

"When it comes to printing, the print kiosks offer more flexibility for students," said Shawn Ellis, director of client services for EITS.

EITS is using print kiosks from Wireless Everywhere Print Anywhere (WEPA), which has provided similar kiosks to other universities and colleges around the U.S.

The company uses cloud-based technology to allow users to upload documents to its website, where they can download the WEPA print driver software on their computers. Users may also install an Apple or Android app on their mobile devices to print documents. Another option is directly installing a USB flash drive into a kiosk to print documents.

Documents sent to the WEPA service will be available to print for 96 hours.

To pay for the printed documents, students may use Bulldog Bucks, a credit or debit card, or funds deposited into a WEPA account.

The cost will be $0.06 per page for black and white prints, and $0.50 per page for color prints. A $0.20 surcharge will apply for each transaction paid with a credit or debit card. The additional surcharge will be waived if the credit or debit card is used to deposit $5 onto a WEPA account used for further printing debits.

EITS opted to install the WEPA (pronounced "wee-pah") print kiosks after hearing comments from students who wanted additional printing options on campus.

"There were a lot of requests from students who wanted printing where it wasn't available," Ellis said. "They also wanted more payment options and the ability to use their own devices to print documents."

However, the print kiosks are not intended to replace existing printing options on campus. Instead, EITS will evaluate the use of the print kiosks to determine future action.

"We hope it works well so that we have more kiosks around campus," said Tommy Jones, senior IT manager for EITS' client technology services.

EITS is slated to install the kiosks during the Thanksgiving holidays. The kiosks will be operational when students return to classes on Nov. 26. Some may not be initially available.

The print kiosks will be clearly marked with "Print Here" and the Arch on the panels. The print kiosks will be available when the buildings they are located in are open to the public. Please check the operating hours of those buildings to ensure access to the print kiosks.

The WEPA kiosk locations are:

• Main Library: Near reference desk
• Science Library: Near reference desk
• Veterinary Science Reading Room: Entrance
• Miller Learning Center: Second floor, across from Jittery Joe’s
• Joe Frank Harris Commons: Main lobby
• Snelling Dining Commons: Main lobby
• Oglethorpe Dining Commons: Main lobby
• Bolton Dining Commons: Main lobby
• Caldwell Hall: Vending area, across from room 104
• Health Science Campus: Russell Hall, second floor

WEPA representatives will be available Monday through Tuesday, Nov. 26-27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Miller Learning Center and the Joe Frank Harris Dinning Commons for print kiosk demonstrations and user assistance.

The print kiosks are funded by Student Technology Fees.

For technical support regarding the print kiosks, contact WEPA at 1-800-675-7639 orhelp@wepanow.com.

For additional information, including detailed instructions on using the print kiosks at UGA, visit our printing support page.