Copying FAQ

How do I make copies at the Libraries?
You can make copies by using your Plaid Ca$h account. Every student has one already set up. However, not everyone has money deposited into it. You can view your quota usage and balance, through the Dining/Plaid Ca$h portlet in the Carnegie Mellon portal (my.cmu.edu).

How do I use my ID+ Card to make copies on campus?
You can use your Plaid Ca$h account in campus copiers, so you do not need another card (like a copy card). See the Plaid Ca$h section of this site for details on how to make a deposit on your Plaid Ca$h account.

Can I use my printing quota to make copies on campus?
No, the printing quota is only for printing. Once you are out of printing quota, you can use your Plaid Ca$h account for printing and copying.

How do I make copies if I do not have an ID+ Card?
Guests of Carnegie Mellon can purchase a Plaid Ca$h card from the Plaid Ca$h Value Transfer machines. Plaid Ca$h machines are located in the University Center lower level elevator lobby near the Post Office and in Hunt Library near the circulation desk. Additional deposits to the card can be made at any time at the Plaid Ca$h machines (in denominations of $5, $10, or $20). Plaid Ca$h can be used for both copy services at the University Libraries and computer printing (once you have exhausted your printing quota).

Departments, staff and student organizations can use their campus Oracle string to purchase Plaid Ca$h cards for the use of a department or group .  Information regarding this can be found on the Departmental Plaid Ca$h page of this site.

What do I do if my purchased Plaid Ca$h card doesn't’t work for copies?
If you have just purchased a Plaid Ca$h card and it does not work, take it to the Library circulation desk, and they can exchange it for another card.

If it was working before and no longer works, you will need to visit the Card Office during normal business hours (M-F 8:30-5:00).

How do I make copies for my department or for a research project?
Departments may use their campus Oracle string to assign Plaid Ca$h to a cardholder (student, staff or faculty) for departmental or research copying. This copying/printing allocation may be requested from the Card Office.  Further information can be found on the Departmental Plaid Ca$h page.  This Plaid Ca$h assignment may only be used for copy services at the University Libraries or computer printing. It may not be used for other purchases.

What if I lose a departmental Plaid Ca$h card?
Contact the card office (x8-5224 or idplus@andrew.cmu.edu) and we will attempt to determine which card number was issued to your department.  If we are able to determine which card was lost we will issue a new card with a new number which will invalidate the lost card making it useless.  Your remaining balance will be transferred to the new card.