Need to print documents or posters on the UMass Amherst campus? UMass Library offers convenient and accessible printing services for students, faculty, and visitors. This guide provides everything you need to know about Umass Printing, from locations and rates to payment options and poster printing specifics.
Convenient Printing Locations Across Campus
You can find pay-for-print stations in several convenient locations within the UMass Amherst Libraries:
- W. E. B. Du Bois Library: Head to the Lower Level for both black & white and color printing. You can also find a black and white printer outside the Graduate Commons on the 5th floor.
- Science & Engineering Library: Printers are available on the Main (2nd) floor, offering both black & white and color options.
For large format poster printing, the Digital Media Lab in the W. E. B. Du Bois Library is your dedicated service point.
Printing Costs and Rates at UMass
UMass Library printing services are priced affordably to support your academic and research needs. Here’s a breakdown of the current printing rates:
| Type | Size | Rate per Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Black & White | 8.5 x 11 (Letter) | $0.05 |
| Color | 8.5 x 11 (Letter) | $0.35 |
| Color | 11 x 17 (Tabloid) | $0.70 |
| Poster Printing | Max 42″ width (variable length) | $0.02 per square inch |
For poster printing, remember that the cost is calculated per square inch, allowing for flexible sizing for your presentation or display needs.
Payment Options for UMass Printing
To utilize the UMass printing services, you will need one of the accepted payment methods:
- UCard: Your UMass student or employee ID card can be used for payment.
- Guest Card: Visitors can purchase a Guest Card for $1 (deposit included) from terminals located on the Lower Level of the Du Bois Library.
- Department Copy/Print Card: UMass departments can obtain these cards for departmental printing needs.
Please note that cash, credit cards, and debit cards are not accepted at the print stations.
To add funds to your UCard or to purchase a Guest Card, use the terminals in the Lower Level of the W. E. B. Du Bois Library. For Department Copy/Print Cards, please contact the UCard Office.
UMass Poster Printing: Details and Submission
The Digital Media Lab offers a professional poster printing service to help you create high-quality posters for presentations, conferences, and events. Here are the key details for UMass poster printing:
Poster Specifications
- Minimum Dimensions: Posters must be larger than 11 inches by 17 inches.
- Maximum Dimensions: The maximum short side is 41.5 inches. For the long side, standard printing is up to 60 inches, but contact staff for longer options.
- Paper Type: Posters are printed on heavyweight, satin-finish photo paper for excellent image quality and durability.
- File Format: Only PDF files are accepted for poster submissions to ensure proper formatting and print quality.
Cost, Turnaround Time, and Payment
- Cost: Poster printing is priced at $2.88 per square foot. You will receive an email with the final cost once your poster is ready.
- Turnaround Time:
- During the Spring and Fall semesters, allow for 3 business days of processing time.
- During the Summer (June – August) and January, please allow 5 business days.
- Payment: Accepted payment methods are UCard, Guest Card, or Department Copy/Print Card. Cash, credit, and debit cards are not accepted for poster printing either.
- Pickup: Posters are available for pickup at the Digital Media Lab, located on the Lower Level of the W. E. B. Du Bois Library.
Submitting Your Poster for Printing
To submit your poster for UMass printing, please use the online submission form.
- File Size Limit: 1GB
- File Types: PDF only
- Multiple Files: Allowed
If your file exceeds 1GB, please use a cloud storage service to share the file with [email protected].
Departmental Payment for Student Posters
Departments wishing to pay for student posters can utilize a dedicated process.
- Ensure Correct Poster Size: Verify the student’s digital file is sized correctly for printing.
- Student Submission: Students must submit their poster files individually through the online webform.
- Printing and Notification: The Digital Media Lab will print the poster and notify the student about pickup.
- Cost Notification: Poster printing staff will email the department with the final cost.
- Payment Method: Department Copy and Print Cards are the accepted payment method. Request a card from the UCard Office.
Department Paying for Students Request Form
Important Note: The Digital Media Lab focuses on printing submitted files as-is. They do not offer formatting, editing, or scaling services. Users are responsible for ensuring their files are print-ready, correctly sized, and adhere to copyright laws. Resources are available online to help you prepare your poster files appropriately.
UMass Library Printing Services are here to support your printing needs on campus. Take advantage of these convenient and valuable resources!
