Workstation Sign-On FAQs for SF State Affiliated Users

The Library Workstation Sign-On system allows library users to access the Internet from library computers. The system monitors the length of time available per user, thus ensuring greater equitable access to the workstations.

Q: What do I need to sign on?

A: Students, staff and faculty will simply need their SFSU ID number to sign on. The SFSU ID is printed on SFSU Onecard IDs. Other affiliated SF State library users need the barcode number on their SF State library card. SF State users will look for "Research Workstations" with yellow screens and labels.

Q: What if I don't know or forgot my SFSU ID number?

A: You can go to https://www.sfsu.edu/online/lookupsfsuid.html to look up your SFSU ID using your SSN and PAC to authenticate. This website can be accessed from any Express Workstation.

Q: How much time will I have to access the Internet?

A: SF State users are allotted 120 minutes per day.

Q: If I only use part of my time in one sitting, can I come back later that day?

A: Yes, you can come back later that day to use the rest of your time. As long as you sign off when you are done with a session, you retain the remaining amount of your allotted time.

Q: If I forget to sign off when I am finished, what happens?

A: Unfortunately, your time will continue to diminish until you are signed off or reach your daily time limit. That is why it is important to sign off after each session.

Q: What if I exceed my time limit and still need more time?

A: The Library has two computer labs, John F. True and Media Access Center (located on the first and third floors, respectively), as well as a laptop checkout program, that affiliated users can utilize. Your Workstation Sign-On time allotment is independent from these labs and does not affect your time there. Other computer labs are available on campus. For information about those, go to http://www.sfsu.edu/~doit/labs.htm.

Q: Can I reserve a machine for a specific time?

A: At this time, we do not accept reservations for workstations.

Q: Do I need to sign on to use the Express Workstations?

A: You do not need to sign on to use express workstations. Express Workstations access SF State sites only (i.e. library catalog, class schedules, et al; NOT Google, MySpace, etc.). Your daily time allotment is not affected when using the Express Workstations.