Beginning January 30, 2006 , the University implemented a fee-based management system for networked laser printing in the Library and the Computer Lab to control printing abuse, waste and spiraling costs.
In recent years, vast amounts of materials have become available electronically. The increased availability of full-text articles and books online has blurred the distinction between photocopying (always a fee-based service) and networked printing, drastically increasing both printing costs and waste. While the Computer Lab has always charged for printing, the Library has not.
In the past seven years, annual print volume in the Library has mushroomed from a few thousand pages to almost one million. The costs for this printing (for paper, toner, and printer repair and replacement) have consumed the Library's technology budget.
A pay-for-print system will promote responsible printing, reducing waste and unnecessary printing, and restore technology funds to their intended purpose of providing technology resources for the Library.
Networked laser printing in the Library will cost 5¢ per black & white page.
The Computer Lab offers Drew students black & white laser printing at 5¢ per page as well as color laser and photo paper printing at reasonable cost - see FAQs.
