Wifi and computers

Robarts and Gerstein computers and study space are available from January 10, 2022. LIRA computers for visitors not currently available.

On campus  | Wireless access  |  Remote Lab  |  Off campus e-resource access  |  Library visitors

On campus spaces & workstations

• Robarts spaces and workstations are available for current University of Toronto students, staff, and faculty, as well as to patrons who have an active borrowing plan issued through Reader Registration
• Gerstein Science Information Centre information for current University of Toronto students, staff, and faculty
• Check other libraries' websites for library-specific information
• Check live computer availability across campus 
• LIRA workstations for visitors are not currently available
• Computer access facilities (CAF) are managed by the Information Commons (IC) for the Central Libraries
• Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis
• See the IC Knowledge Base for more info

COVID-19 protocols

• Signage indicates which seats and tables are available
• Work stations and tables without chairs should not be used
• Masks must be worn when inside the library buildings

Saving files

• Users must bring their own USB keys to save their files.
• Files can be temporarily saved to the hard drive for emailing to yourself, or uploading to a remote location such as Quercus or the OneDrive storage available with UTmail+ accounts
• Save your work frequently, and keep a backup copy of your work in a separate location – e.g., another USB key, a home computer.
• All files on LIRA workstations are deleted regularly, so be sure to email them, upload them, or save them on your own storage device.
• The Scotiabank Information Commons is not responsible for lost data caused by hardware or software failures.

 Wireless access

• Information on wireless access on the St George Campus
• Instructions on how to connect from various devices
• FAQ: How do I get onto the wifi?

Remote Lab

This Information Commons service allows current students and faculty users to remotely access computers in Robarts Library – 1st floor, and in the Map & Data Library

Standard software such as Microsoft Office 365, and specialized software is available  – this set of FAQs describes the service and available software.

Off campus access to electronic resources

For current University of Toronto students, faculty, and staff:

• For off campus access to licensed University of Toronto Libraries' electronic resources –– online journals, articles, e-books, and databases –– log in to LibrarySearch with your UTORid and password
• Students, faculty and staff can also connect through UTORvpn
• More information about off campus library access
• When you are at another university, join the Eduroam wireless network if available, with your U of T credentials
• Papers user? Set up your library proxy

There is no off-campus access to UTL licensed resources for alumni borrowers or other external borrowers.

 LIRA computers for library visitors

Robarts Library, Gerstein Science Information Centre, and other libraries maintain Library & Internet Resource Account (LIRA) workstations to allow library visitors to use our computers for academic research. 

––Last updated May 10, 2022