Body
Questions
- How do I use the printer in my building?
- How do I release a print job at a Bowdoin printer?
- How do I scan a document at a Bowdoin printer?
- How do I scan to email from a Bowdoin MFD?
- How do I scan to OneDrive from a Bowdoin printer?
- How do I make copies on a Bowdoin multi-function device?
- How do I sign in to PaperCut at the printer?
- Can I use my OneCard to release a print job?
- What can I do at a Bowdoin MFD besides print?
- Why does Bowdoin use PaperCut?
Environment
This article covers how to use PaperCut on a Bowdoin multi-function device (MFD) — the touchscreen printers/scanners/copiers found in buildings across campus. It applies to all students, faculty, and staff.
- Devices: Bowdoin MFDs (Ricoh multi-function printers) with PaperCut software installed
- Sign-in options: OneCard tap, Bowdoin username and password, or Bowdoin ID number
- Not covered here: Sending a print job from your computer — see Printing to a PaperCut printer. Troubleshooting print or release problems — see PaperCut Print Troubleshooting.
Resolution
Tap or click a section below to jump directly to it:
Why PaperCut? Print / Release Scan Copy
Why PaperCut?
Bowdoin began transitioning to PaperCut in the fall of 2022 for several reasons:
- Accessibility — All scanned documents are automatically processed through optical character recognition (OCR) to produce searchable, accessible PDFs — no special software required.
- More scan destinations — Scan directly to email, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint.
- Enhanced security — Print jobs can only be released by the person who sent them, or in some locations, a designated print administrator.
- Environmental impact — Jobs are only printed when actively released at a station. In the fall of 2022 alone, PaperCut saved the college nearly 50,000 sheets of paper from jobs that were sent but never collected.
Back to top
Print / Release
Printing with PaperCut involves two steps: sending the job from your computer, then releasing it at the printer.
Note: Jobs are held for 48 hours. If you haven't released a job within 48 hours of sending it, it will expire and you'll need to print again.
Step 1 — Send your print job
Print from your Mac as you normally would. For full instructions, see Printing to a PaperCut printer.
Step 2 — Sign in to PaperCut at the printer
Walk to any Bowdoin MFD. There are three ways to sign in:
- Tap your OneCard on the card reader near the touch panel
- Enter your Bowdoin username and password on the touch screen
- Enter your Bowdoin ID number
Step 3 — Release your document(s)
- Tap Print Release on the touch screen.
- You will see a list of print jobs associated with your Bowdoin account. You will not be able to see anyone else's jobs.
- Tap the document you want to print to see its details.
- Tap Print to release it.
Back to top
Scan
You can scan to several destinations through PaperCut. Every scanned PDF is automatically run through OCR to produce a searchable, accessible document before delivery.
Step 1 — Sign in to PaperCut at the printer
Use any of the three sign-in methods listed in the Print / Release section above.
Step 2 — Scan your document(s)
- Tap Scan on the touch screen. The scan destination screen will open.
- Select your destination. The most common options are:
- Scan to My Email — delivers to your Bowdoin email inbox
- OneDrive — delivers to your Bowdoin OneDrive
- On the destination screen, edit the file name and (for email) the subject line if needed.
- Tap Settings to adjust scan presets such as resolution, color, or page size.
- If scanning multiple pages without the document feeder, check Prompt for more pages before starting.
- Tap Start Scanning.
Your scanned document will be delivered to your chosen destination. If there is a problem, you will receive an email notification.
Email file size limit: Scan to email has a limit of approximately 24 MB (roughly 15 pages). Scans larger than this will not be delivered. For larger documents, scan to OneDrive instead.
Back to top
Copy
You can make copies using the device's native copy functionality. Copying takes you out of the PaperCut interface and into the printer's built-in controls.
Step 1 — Sign in to PaperCut at the printer
Use any of the three sign-in methods listed in the Print / Release section above.
Step 2 — Access the copy function
- From the PaperCut home screen, tap Device Functions.
- Tap Copy.
- Use the native copy controls to set the number of copies, DPI, duplex/simplex, and other options.
- When ready, tap Copy to begin.
- When finished, tap Log Out at the top of the screen, or tap the back arrow twice to return to the PaperCut interface.
Back to top
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources