Home > Computing policies > Printing recommendations

Printing recommendations

• What we do
• Who we are
• Rates and contracts
• Advice and how-to
• Computing policies
  • Supported software
  • Security
• Contact us
• News

See also:

• Definitions of support level terms
• Hardware support levels and recommendations

Below are LSCR's general recommendations for departmental printing. Because different departments have different needs, it is a good idea to contact your LSCR consultant to discuss your particular situation.

Shared networked printers

LSCR recommends that departments use networked laser printers when possible. A networked printer in this context refers to a printer with its own direct connection to the Internet.

There are a number of reasons for this recommendation:

• Reduced overall costs. A single printer shared among multiple users can be cheaper than purchasing a printer for each user. In addition, the cost of toner per page for laser printers is much less than ink costs for personal inkjet printers (and some inkjet printers require special, higher-cost paper for optimal quality).


• Compatibility with administrative applications. Campus applications such as BFS and HRMS have fewer compatibility problems with shared networked printers. In some cases, these applications will work only with shared networked printers.


• LSCR support. LSCR will generally set up and configure shared networked printers without additional charge for departments with annual desktop support contracts. (LSCR generally does not change toner cartridges or clear paper jams, however.)


• Reduced maintenance. Toner cartridges generally need to be changed less often than ink cartridges. Also, it is easier to track warranties, keep supplies on hand, etc., for a few shared printers than for many personal printers. In addition, it can be easier to support the printing software for networked laser printers than for personal printers.


• Reduced space requirements. Shared printers free up desk space and power outlets that would otherwise be used by personal printers.


• Improved performance and additional features. Networked laser printers are often much faster and more reliable for high volume printing. In addition, these printers often have features such as multiple paper trays, which personal printers generally lack.

Before ordering a networked printer, you should first make sure that there is a network connection available for it. Your LSCR consultant can assist you in ordering a connection if necessary and also help you choose a printer that will best meet your needs.

Personal printers

Because of the advantages of shared networked printers, LSCR generally does not recommend personal printers for administrative staff in the College. Nevertheless, there may be circumstances in which a personal printer may be appropriate:

• You need to print confidential documents frequently.
• Your office is located some distance from others in your department, so a shared printer is not practical.
• You require specialized features (for instance, the ability to make photographic quality prints, print on envelopes or specialized stationary, etc. ).

In cases such as these, LSCR will set up and configure a personal printer for users under our annual desktop support program. LSCR can also help you select a personal printer that will best meet your needs.

Sharing personal printers

LSCR discourages and does not support sharing personal printers (i.e., sharing printers directly connected to a personal workstation). There are many reasons for this recommendation:

• Personal printers are generally not designed for high-volume use and are more likely to experience hardware failures, paper jams, etc., in a shared environment. (It's possible to share a high-volume laser printer through a personal computer, but the reasons below still apply.)


• If the computer to which the printer is attached is turned off, crashes, or experiences a hardware or software failure, no one will be able to print.


• Printing performance will often be slow, and remote users sending print jobs can significantly slow down the computer that is sharing the printer.

LSCR will support personal printer sharing only on an hourly or retainer basis and only when no other solution is practical.

Multi-function printing devices (mopiers, networked digital copiers)

In recent years, printing devices that perform other functions such as copying, scanning, and faxing have become popular. These devices generally fall into two categories:

• Personal "mopiers." These devices are typically designed for home offices, and LSCR generally recommends against their use by L&S departments. In general, one may be able to get better quality at little additional cost by purchasing separate devices. In addition, with separate devices it is possible for different people to scan, fax, and print simultaneously.


• Networked digital copiers. These machines look like standard office copiers but also can function as printers. Some models offer fax and scanning capabilities like the "mopiers."

For the personal all-in-one devices, LSCR's support is limited to basic setup and installation of the printing software. Support for scanning and faxing is available on an hourly or retainer recharge basis. As with personal printers, only basic troubleshooting for the printing functions is included in our standard administrative support contract.

Networked digital copiers are generally installed by the vendor, though LSCR will support the device once installed. In-depth troubleshooting and support for scanning and fax functions may require an hourly or retainer contract.

Departments considering the purchase of a multi-function printing device are urged to consult LSCR to discuss options and our support levels.