The Law Library has forty desktop and twelve notebook computers available for SMU law student use, as well as a flatbed scanner for scanning documents or photos. The desktop computers run Windows XP and have Pentium-4 3.0 GHz processors. Current applications include, among others:
Please do not copy files or personal software to the hard drives of the Law Library's computers. Such files and software are erased as part of the routine maintenance of the computers. The computers have front-mounted USB ports to allow students to easily connect USB drives for file storage.
There are two high-speed laser printers inside the computer lab. All lab computer can print to these printers, as can notebook computers connected to the wireless network. Each student can print 1200 pages per year for 'free' from the laser printers. Students can purchase additional printing by adding money to their printing account at the Circulation Desk. Print jobs are stored on the server until they are released to the printer from one of the two release stations. Files are automatically deleted from the print queue after 24 hours.
Twelve notebook computers are available at the Circulation Desk for check-out by law students for use inside the library. Notebook computer users, whether using the library's or their own computers, can connect to the campus network and the Internet through the library's wireless network. The wireless network is accessible in all areas of the Law Library, the Walsh Classroom, Hillcrest Classroom, Florence Hall, clinics, and Collins Hall's lobby and lounge area.
To access the library's wireless network, notebook computers must have an 802.11b or 802.11g transceiver and the appropriate software driver for the transceiver. For further information about the wireless network, see Wireless Network FAQ.
Patrons may use notebook computers anywhere in the Law Library. Patrons who are distracted by notebook use should keep in mind the unassigned carrels which are available to all SMU law students.
Students use the same username and password to access other SMU computer systems (email, inter-library loans, access.smu.edu).
For questions concerning lost Lexis or Westlaw passwords, contact one of the library's reference librarians. For answers to questions concerning search strategy, ask one of the library's reference librarians, one of the Lexis or Westlaw student representatives, or call Westlaw (1-800-WESTLAW) or Lexis (1-800-543-6862) customer service.
Unaffiliated Patrons' Lexis & Westlaw Access: There are two computers for use by non-law school patrons with their own Westlaw or Lexis password or to access Westlaw/Lexis with a credit card. Those computers are located on the library's main floor, outside S-205. The library also provides an attached printer.
CALI: For information on law student and faculty access to CALI, see CALI: Computer Assisted Legal Instruction. (pdf file).
For general computer questions, contact one of the computer staff listed on the staff page. For useful information on computer-related technology available at the Law School, go to the SMU Dedman School of Law Technology Web.
