Tips to Help You Navigate Library Technology & Equipment 

The Drexel University Libraries provides invaluable tools, equipment, and resources to support you throughout your academic journey. However, we understand these resources and systems can sometimes be unfamiliar and intimidating—and we’re here to help!

Read on for tips and tricks to help you make the most of the Libraries during your time at Drexel.

Get to know DragonSearch

DragonSearch is our online search tool that connects you to our online catalog. Use it to find books, journal articles, databases, DVDs and streaming videos, and anything else in the Drexel Libraries collections. Use the search box on our website or use this link to get to the DragonSearch homepage.

Install the LibKey Nomad Browser extension

This free browser extension provided by the Libraries makes it even easier to access resources as you find them online. LibKey Nomad searches webpages you’re viewing for scholarly citations. If it finds a citation, you’ll see a button that will connect you to the full-text article, if its available through the Libraries.

Download PaperCut mobile print driver

Now you can print directly from your phone or laptop to the printers in the W. W. Hagerty Library. Download the PaperCut driver and follow the instructions on our website. You can even use DragonDollars to pay for printing (B&W: $.10/page; Color: $0.25).

Borrow a laptop or power charger from our Tech Lending Kiosks

Forgot your laptop or portable power charger? Borrow one from us! You’ll find our portable power charger and laptop lending kiosks in the Dragons’ Learning Den (the 24/7 study room located on the first floor of the Library). Simply scan your DragonCard and borrow one of our devices for use within the Hagerty Library for up to five hours.

Download Drexel's VPN software

Drexel uses the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client software to establish a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) between your off-campus computer or mobile device and the campus network. That means when you’re working off campus, you’ll need to log in to the VPN in order to access restricted computing resources, including databases, websites, and even some Drexel Libraries resources. You will be prompted to login privileged applications.

Get free or discounted software via Drexel IT

Be sure to visit OnTheHub, Drexel’s platform to distribute academic software and licenses for personal devices. In addition to a wide variety of discounted academic software already available from OnTheHub, you can download software licensed by Drexel for personal devices from our web store at no cost or discounted prices.

Get expert help

Have other library-related questions? We have lots of online training materials you can review on your own or connect with our expert staff for in-person and virtual support.

• Chat with a live person 24/7 (no robots!) – If you have a library-related question, simply use the chat box on our homepage to connect with someone live online. There’s always a person on the other end of the chat – no robots ever! 
• Visit the Service Desk in W. W. Hagerty Library – Staff are available to assist you during normal library hours.
• Watch a workshop or tutorial – We also offer lots of workshops, online tutorials and training sessions for all Drexel Dragons. Attend a live session or watch one of our recorded videos and short lessons to learn how to use our resources and tools, including citation style manuals and search tools.