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Michael Schwartz Library

The Library Learning Commons / Reference Center

Library Learning Commons

The Library Learning Commons, located at the west end of the first floor, is the Library's primary service point for assistance and information. The Reference Staff at the Reference Center assists with research questions. They can help you locate books, articles, and any other kind of information using the library catalog, databases, and internet. The IS&T student at the desk will help you with technology and software problems. The Reference Staff can also help you find the answer to general informational questions. Reference librarians are also available in their offices in RT 110.

Resources Available:

  • 110 PCs with Internet access, DVD-ROM/CD-RW drives, USB port. USB extension cords and headphones are available from the reference desk.
  • Access to all electronic library resources.
  • 6 printers for color or greyscale printing.
  • 1 general-use PC and one text magnifier for persons with disabilities.
  • 2 PCs with flatbed scanners, Adobe Creative Cloud software, and ABBYY FineReader 15. These computers are available for current CSU students, faculty, and staff any time the Library is open. Ask at the desk for their locations.
  • Adobe Creative Cloud and all of its apps (e.g., Photoshop, Acrobat Pro, etc.) require users to sign in with an Adobe account or their CSU Single Sign On account. If you don't have an Adobe account, you can now log in with your CSU ID number (e.g., "1234567@csuohio.edu" or "1234567@vikes.csuohio.edu").
  • ABBYY FineReader 15 is OCR software that allows users to scan documents as editable PDF or Word files. It is very easy to use – start the program, select "Scan" > "Scan to PDF" or "Scan to Word", and follow the prompts. You can also use the "Open" function to convert already-scanned images to text from a file.
  • A special area of physically-distanced computers is available for patrons wishing to maintain a 6-foot distance between themselves and other users.

See Computers in the Library for a more complete list of available software and hardware.

Reference computers are available whenever the Library is open (see Hours).

For remote reference assistance, call (216) 687-5300, use our chat service, or Ask Your Personal Librarian online.