Internet access around the world, library loans across Canada
Globetrotting Concordians now have one less thing to worry about.
Those visiting any of the hundreds of universities worldwide that subscribe to Eduroam can count on easy Internet access.
Eduroam (education roaming) is a secure wireless Internet service that’s been developed for the international research and education community.
The network covers hundreds of campuses across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia Pacific — among them 29 Canadian universities and colleges, including Université de Montréal and McGill.
While the procedure for tapping into the Eduroam network while abroad is different for Mac, Windows, and various wireless devices, it’s essentially as simple as logging in with a Concordia NetName along with the “@concordia.ca” appendage and password.
It’s one less hassle for roving Concordians, but the decision to have Concordia join the network was primarily made to make it easier for those visiting the university to get online.
Mike Babin, from Concordia’s Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS), says that there are constant requests from visitors, and the rigmarole to find them Internet access is often time-consuming and frustrating.
“Departments who host events or visitors are often in a bind because the end-user wants to do a presentation or look something up,” he says.
He says visitors from Eduroam-subscribed institutions can access Concordia’s internet service using their institution’s home credentials to jump online here.
While Concordians are able to access the network at either the Sir George Williams or Loyola campuses, Babin suggests not leaving wireless devices set to Eduroam.
“At this time, Eduroam’s limited bandwidth is only supposed to handle a light load of users,” he says. “Stay with the Concordia wireless network. It has more capacity and will perform better.”
Visit the IITS Helpline website for info on how to access Eduroam.
Library loans Canada-wide
For those in need of that old fashioned thing called a “book” when at another Canadian university, here’s another reason not to worry.
Concordia students (staff and faculty as well) are able to borrow items from 84 other Canadian universities—including every university across Quebec.
How? Before leaving, bring a valid Concordia ID card to the circulation desks at the Webster Library (1400 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.) or the Vanier Library (7141 Sherbrooke St. W.) to get a free CREPUQ card, renewable annually.
CREPUQ stands for Conférence des recteurs et principaux des universités du Québec, or Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities, which is a consortium of English and French universities.
With the card, you’ll be able to sign out many materials you can’t find online. Keep in mind that there may be restrictions on some items.
Also, borrowing terms are determined by the loaning library, so be sure to inquire to avoid fines.
Related links:
• Eduroam
• CREPUQ card info