Software for Public Access Computers

A variety of desktop applications are available on University Libraries PACs in Bracken Library, the Architecture Library, the Health Library and Science Library. To request new software for the PACs, please use the PAC Desktop Software Request Form.

Programs/software suites are identified in 1 of 3 ways:

• The University provides a site license for an application or software suite. This includes Adobe products and Microsoft Office products, among others.
• Faculty or department representatives (hereafter: requesters) identify applications or software and provide the Libraries with the software and proof of purchase or appropriate license information.
• The Libraries identify applications or software and acquires the appropriate license and software.

Criteria for software for PACs:

• The license supports installation on multiple PAC.
• The program/application supports multiple user profiles on a single Windows workstation.
• If there are concurrent user limits, enforcement by a license manager or the Libraries Sassafras K2 KeyServer is required.
• The application must not interfere with other software on PAC workstations.

The University Libraries update Windows and MacOS PACs during academic interims and breaks.

The PACs have a shared user configuration.  To access the workstation and software, Ball State University students and employees use BSU credentials; all others use a guest username and password.  PACs have access to printing through the Print Smart program.

The requester is responsible for providing an end-user license agreement (EULA) for shared use computers in an academic environment. Library Data and Discovery Solutions (LDADS) personnel will review this documentation. Software is tested, installed and managed by LDADS personnel. 

Desktop applications will be assessed regularly for use levels, license compliance, and functionality.  LDADS will communicate with the requester before software is changed or removed.

Software not currently available on PACs that may benefit student academic work will be reviewed for installation on PACs.  The workflow for new requests is:

1. Submit a request to add or update software via the Software Request Form.
2. The requester should provide the following:
   1. Requester name and email address
   2. Software title and version
   3. Developer or vendor name and the contact information
   4. If software is for Windows, Mac, or both
   5. Local technical contact and local administrative contact
   6. The EULA supporting library/laboratory use
   7. License or activation codes
   8. The software media or download site
   9. The course/class/instructors that will use the software
3. LDADS will review the request.
   1. LDADS will review the EULA.
      1. LDADS will send questions about compliance to the University Office of the General Counsel for review.
      2. If General Counsel determines a license does not support use in a library/laboratory environment, LDADS will notify the requester that the software will not be loaded.
      3. If the license is compliant, LDADS will install the software as our schedule permits.
   2. LDADS will review technical requirements for compatibility with the current PAC configuration.
      1. LDADS will make reasonable attempts to include a program on PACs.
      2. If the software will not run properly on the PACs, LDADS will notify the requester that the software will not be loaded.
4. When the license is approved and the program tested, LDADS will install the application at the next available update window.
5. When the installation process is complete, the Assistant Dean of LDADS will notify the requester. The software will be added to the University Libraries Software Locator web app.

Annually in late Spring Semester, or as needed, software on PACs will be reviewed for use and updates.  This workflow is:

1. If a software upgrade is needed, LDADS will follow steps 3-5 above.
2. If there is no change required, this will be noted in LDADS records; the Libraries will continue to provide access.
3. If software is no longer needed, LDADS will notify the requester. LDADS will remove the software from PACs and the Software Locator web app.

If for some reason a software title is no longer needed or eligible to run on PACs, this workflow will be used to remove the program. 

1. The original requester and/or department contact will be notified by the LDADS Admin Coordinator that the software title will be removed.
2. LDADS technicians will remove the program from the next computer build. 
3. The Software Locator web app will be updated.