January 2, 2020, by Chris Finch

UoN Print Service updates

Last year, Information Services announced a refresh to the University of Nottingham print service with the overarching aim of providing a leaner and more sustainable service.

As part of our new contract with Xerox, we have upgraded the underlying print service infrastructure, introduced a new print credits website (MyPrint) and simplified the print queues. Whilst we communicated that this work would cause some disruption to service, we’re aware that this was significant for users during start of term last year and we thank staff and students for their patience whilst we completed these essential upgrades.

For the student print service, as part of the upgrade, we took the opportunity to simplify print charges. A4 and A3 charges have now been merged with A3 prices reduced. We have also upgraded the wide-format printing service with the provision of 7 new devices. The wide-format multi-functional devices now have ‘print and release’ functionality and we have located two wide-format devices in Hallward Library and Djanogly Learning Resource Centre for increased access. Costs for wide-format printing remain static.

For the staff print service, fax functionality has been removed and there has been an update to the ‘scan to email’ function, as well as changes to print recharge codes. During November 2019 we started the process of replacing 238 printers within the fleet with new, faster machines. Phase one has been completed with 72 printers replaced. The new devices have a modern user interface with less physical buttons, you can view the new interface here (log in required).

Phase two of replacing old printers within the fleet will take place from February 2020 and we will communicate further details with Print Champions closer to the time. The print refresh project team will also soon start activities to replace ‘Scan to Home’ with a ‘Scan to OneDrive’ app.

We are also continuing to review the usage of all devices in line with a decline in print volumes over the last 5 years. We have identified a number of low-usage devices that we are proposing to withdraw and are continuing to consult with colleagues to ensure appropriate access to print services is maintained in these areas.

Overall, the University remains committed to improving the staff and student print services, whilst supporting a continued fall in printing and taking steps to minimise the environmental impact and reduce the overall cost of the service to the University.

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