Technology in the Library

Public computers located in the library are available for guest use and do not require an NMU login. These stations provide access to the library's electronic resources, databases, and government information.

Lobby computers include the following software:

• Windows 11
• Microsoft Office Suite

A DVD / Blu-ray player is available in the library lobby for guest use. Headphones are required and may be borrowed from the Information Services Desk.

The Lydia Olson Library offers a comprehensive range of equipment lending for many academic needs. From essential chargers and calculators to professional-grade microphones and video cameras, our collection is designed to support a wide variety of academic and creative projects.

Faxing Services are available at the Information Services Desk

Costs vary based on the destination:

• Cover Sheet (optional): $0.50 per page
• Domestic and International Destinations: $0.50 per page
• Faxes to NMU campus numbers: Free
• Toll-free numbers (prefixes 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, 888): Free
• Receiving a fax: Free

Laminating services are available at the Information Services Desk.

• $1.00 per foot of lamination.
• Billable to a university account or payable by cash.
• The maximum item width is 24 inches.

The laminator requires approximately 15 minutes to reach operating temperature. To reduce wait time, call ahead to start preheating the machine at 906-227-2250. 

Laminating services end 1-hour before the library closes for the day.

The NMU Archives Reading Room, on the second floor of Harden Hall, provides access to microfilm/microform readers. 

Microfilm/microform readers can read the following formats: 

• Microfiche
• Jackets
• Aperture cards
• 16 mm & 35 mm roll film
• Opaque microcards.

Microfilm/microform readers can output to a variety of formats, including: JPG, TIFF, PDF, up to 1200 dpi. Save to flash drive for free, send via email, or print (printing cost applies).

Food and drink are not allowed in the NMU Archives Reading Room.

Study rooms are equipped with monitors for collaborative or individual use. Patrons can connect devices using HDMI cables, either already in the room, or available to borrow from the Information Services Desk.

Study rooms are available by reservation and are limited to university members during the fall and winter semesters. For details on how to reserve a study room please see our Study Rooms reservation tutorial.

The Library provides access to two HP black-and-white printers and a Xerox multifunction machine that supports color printing, copying, and scanning. All machines are located on the second floor of Harden Hall.

NMU students, faculty, and staff must have funds loaded on their NMU ID (Wildcat Express Card) to print.

Guests may purchase a guest print card for $5, which includes a $3 printing credit. Additional funds can be added as needed.

For more information, visit our Printing page.

The library provides the use of an EZ Scan A3-sized flatbed scanning unit and an auto-feed document scanner as well as a Xerox flatbed & auto-feed scanner located on the second floor of Harden Hall. 

EZ Scan Capabilities

• Vivid-Pix image enhancement software — Restores old, faded photos and documents with patented enhancement tools.
• Translation to text and audio — Scans can be converted into text or audio formats for easier access and usability.
• Multilingual user interface — Supports multiple languages to serve diverse patrons.
• Accessibility features — Includes tools like magnifier, narrator, and high-contrast modes for visually impaired users.
• ABBYY Fine Reader embedded OCR — Recognizes up to 192 languages to create searchable text from scans.

EZ Scan Options

• Scanning Resolution Options:
  • 200dpi Standard Quality
  • 300dpi High Quality
  • 600dpi Photo Quality
• File Saving Options:
  • Send via email
  • Save to USB*
  • Save to cloud 

Xerox Capabilities

• Flatbed scanning
• Document auto-feed scanner
• Color Printer
• Copier

Xerox Options

• Scanning Resolution Options:
  • 150dpi
  • 200dpi Default Quality
  • 300dpi
  • 400dpi
  • 600dpi
• File Saving Options:
  • Save to USB*

* USB Flash Drives are available to borrow from the Information Services Desk.

The Library features a lobby record station equipped with a Pioneer PL-518 turntable, capable of playing 33 1/3 rpm LP records, and a Sansui AU-117 II integrated amplifier. Guests are welcome to enjoy the collection or bring their own vinyl to play during open hours. Headphones are required and available at the Circulation Desk.

The Library offers three Virtual Reality stations located on the second floor of Harden Hall. Each station is equipped with a Meta Quest 3 headset and is available for walk-in use during VR operating library hours.

For more information about VR services, operating hours, or to reserve a station, please visit the Virtual Reality page.

The Library provides wireless internet access for both NMU-affiliated users and guests.

• If you have NMU credentials, follow the NMU Wi-Fi setup instructions.
• If you are a guest without NMU credentials, follow the Guest Wi-Fi access instructions.

We recommend that NMU-affiliated patrons connect to the NMU_WPA3 network, this is the most secure Wi-Fi network. You will need to provide your NMU SSO credentials to access this secured network.