This information pertains specifically to measures taken for COVID-19 precautions. Please work with your supervisor as well as university and library policies for remote work.
When you are planning or preparing to work remotely, consider what equipment you need to bring with you, what files and applications you need to access, and ways to connect and collaborate.
Equipment
- A limited number of computers and headsets are available in the Library IT Help Desk loaner pool.
- Take your phone device with you if you need to make calls or join virtual meetings or webinars.
- Don’t forget to take your 2FA device with you!
- Please keep in mind that Library IT has very limited support for personal devices. Library IT cannot remote into devices not managed by Library IT, nor fix these devices. The Library IT Help Desk can provide instructions on how to access services and files for work however.
Software and applications
- Online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and more are available on Microsoft Office 365 online.
- University employees have access to Adobe sign to securely sign, initial, and enter information on electronic documents.
- Library laptops can use the Software Center application to download licensed applications.
- Personal devices: The campus Webstore offers faculty and staff free downloads of Microsoft Office, Skype for Business, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more.
- If you will be using a different computer, export your browser bookmarks or sync through Chrome or Firefox Sync.
Accessing files
- Backup files before you leave to campus cloud storage options such as Box, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive.
- G and H drives need a VPN connection when off-campus. (Instructions to map to the G or H drive)
- You will not be able to remote into your work computer to access files saved locally, so please backup these files ahead of time.
Campus VPN
The following systems require a connection to campus VPN when accessing from off-campus:
- Banner
- G and H drives
- TEM system (select Tunnel All)
- WordPress
- Information on other campus systems are on Technology Services When to Use the VPN page.
Information on how to download and set up the VPN are available on Technology Services website.
Meetings & Collaboration
Try online meetings through Skype for Business or Zoom
- Schedule an online meeting (Skype for Business and Zoom)
- Large group online meeting Reminders and How-to documentation (Skype for Business and Zoom)
- Audio, video, and web conferencing (Skype for Business and Zoom)
- Video conference with a non-UIUC contact (Skype for Business and Zoom)
- Test audio and video settings before the meeting (Skype for Business and Zoom)
- Record a meeting (Skype for Business and Zoom)
- Protect your Zoom sessions
- Use Microsoft Teams to send updates and ask questions within a group (Microsoft Teams basics)
Email & Calendar
- Update your calendar with the Working Elsewhere status to show colleagues when you are working remotely.
- If needed, add a note in your email signature that you’re working remotely.
- If needed, Out of Office autoreplies can be set up too.
Library Services
In case of library closure, reduced hours or services, review what may need to be changed to keep services running smoothly or communicate changes to services.
- Update Library hours on the website.
- Forward a Library resource phone to a number or call group (contact Library IT to set up a call group).
- Communicate changes on the library website and/or social media.
- Update any settings in Voyager (online catalog, requests, due dates).
Need help?
Contact the Library IT Help Desk through TDX, help@library.illinois.edu, or 217-244-4688.
Additional resources
- Technology Services has a useful online guide on Continuing Key University Activities that includes information on collaboration, teaching resources, and more.
- Stay Connected at home. Check this page for information on home internet and cell services with free or discounted resources.
- Check the University of Illinois System Status page for information university system outages and updates.
- Resources for teaching remotely are available at go.illinois.edu/keepteaching.
- Refer to the campus recommendations and updates for COVID-19.