The Big Switch:
Moving to LSUHSC Cash Cards from Vendamat Copycards

The Library is now accepting the LSUHSC cash card. Like the new LSUHSC ID cards, these new cash cards may be used at various locations throughout the LSUHSC campus, including the Library, to pay for computer printouts and for photocopies. Cash cards are a good option for people who do not have new LSUHSC ID cards or those who prefer not to use their ID cards for these purposes. Auxiliary Enterprises' conversion from Vendamat copycards to new LSUHSC cash cards was completed in January. The following Q & A answers some of the most basic questions about the new cards.

How much do the cash cards cost? How do I get one? How do I add money value to them?
The new cash cards themselves, with no monetary value, cost $1 and are available from a vending unit in the Library and also from the LSUHSC Bookstore. To purchase a cash card from the vending unit in the Library, you must have a single dollar bill to buy the card itself; once you've purchase the card, you may insert the card into the vending machine and use $1, $5, and $10 bills (but not coins) to add value to it. You can also add value to your cash card at any copier: insert your card into the card slot, then insert your money in the bill or coin acceptor, and that amount is added to your card. (Please note: The vending unit and the copiers do not make change -- the amount of cash you put in the machine is the amount that will be added to your card.)

Why might I want a cash card? Can't I use cash or my new LSUHSC ID to make copies?
You may still use coins, $1, $5, and $10 bills to pay for photocopies, at a cost of 10 cents per copy. The advantage of using a cash card or LSUHSC ID for copying is that the cost is only 7¢ per copy. Also, the only way to pay for printouts from Library computers is with a cash card or an LSUHSC ID, at a cost of 10¢ per page. If you already have an LSUHSC ID with value on it, the choice is yours as to whether or not you want a cash card; the two cards work the same way.

Though the printing and copying systems are managed by Auxiliary Enterprises, Library Staff is always happy to try to answer questions about copying and printing.

-- Beth Oliver
eolive@lsuhsc.edu link removed