Overview

The Computer Support Group (CSG) maintains Stock Monitors for use by CSE staff and students.

• CSG places one stock monitor at each CSE desk where it is likely to be used.
  (Really zero, one or two monitors, depending on what other equipment is at the desk.)

• Stock monitors are allocated to a desk, not a person. When a person moves to another desk they should not expect that the monitors will be moved too.

• Only CSG is permitted to move stock monitors to a different desk. Monitors will be locked to desks to make sure they do not move.

• Stock monitors are distinct from other monitors used at CSE such as those bought by research groups or individuals. These other monitors may be used at CSE, but note the restrictions below.

• Other monitors may become CSG-controlled stock monitors when they no longer serve another purpose. They may have been previously bought using research funds and now are not used by the researcher, or were taken out of service in a CSE teaching lab.

Where this policy applies

This policy applies to desks in CSE office space — most of K17 Building, and also J17-510. It is limited to desks that will be used by CSE staff and research students.

It applies to monitors bought with CSE operating funds. Or, those that have passed into CSG control.

Where it does not apply

• We do not supply monitors to other (non-CSE) workplaces, such as other schools and research placements. The other workplace should provide suitable equipment.

• We do not supply monitors to use at your home. Instead, buy your own monitor.

As recently as April 2022, the School Manager reaffirmed that stock monitors are not to be used outside CSE offices.

During COVID lockdown, some CSE personnel used stock monitors at their home, but that is not how we manage them now.

Goals of this policy

• Each person working for CSE has a useful, working monitor at their CSE desk.

• We do not move monitors more than we really need to.

• Simple asset management.

• Use old, but still effective, monitors and avoid buying new equipment unnecessarily.

• Have both old and new equipment in use, but avoid assigning it based on any favouritism.

Equipment specifications

General, "reasonably-sized" monitor

• Be at least 1.5 megapixels

• Have a moderate to low cost per megapixel, relative to currently available equipment

• Be of reasonable specifications by current standards, such that it can be expected to remain acceptable for use for the duration of its working life

"Extra" Monitor

For the purposes of this policy, a "extra" monitor is an older, used monitor that is currently available for reassignment.

Some Guidelines

• (From 2018) 23" widescreen monitors are the general monitor type placed in CSE. 22" widescreen monitors, most being ex-lab equipment, will be "extra" monitors.

• (From 2020) All 19" monitors can be replaced with something larger. 23" widescreen monitor may be used as "extra" monitor, but prefer using 22" monitor.

• (From 2021) 24" monitors are now available. So far, those will be placed on empty desks, or will replace a 22" monitor on a desk where there are no 24" monitors.
  There are not enough 24" monitors for everyone, yet. 24" monitors will not be used as "extra" monitors. A 24" monitor will not replace a working 23" monitor.

• (From Oct. 2023) 27" Monitors (QHD: 2560 x 1440) are now available in limited numbers. Initially, they will be placed only where there is no second monitor. If you want two monitors, we will place two 23"/24" monitors, not a 27" monitor. The 27" monitors we are buying will mostly have a USB-C Hub. Our priority will be to place them where that is a useful feature, such as where a laptop computer, not a desktop, will be used.

Requesting additional or larger monitors

If you believe the monitor(s) on your desk do not meet the above specification, contact CSG, and we will arrange for the appropriate equipment to be supplied.

CSG will not normally supply monitors beyond the above specification. However, if you have exceptional requirements and can justify a non-standard allocation, we are happy to discuss the issue and work towards a solution.

How many monitors?

This depends on what sort of computer is used at the desk:

Desktop/Workstation:

Laptop:

Desktops with builtin screen (iMac):

Hotdesk:

When the computer used at the desk changes, CSG may also change which monitors are placed there to match the computer.

At desks where a 27" Dock monitor is placed, no other monitors will be placed. (Oct. 2023)

Using other monitors

When you want to use a monitor that is not a CSG stock monitor…

Such a monitor may have been bought with your research funds, or be your personal property.

No clear guidelines about use of personal monitors have come from UNSW Health & Safety. The policy at CSE (subject to overruling by UNSW) is that a monitor you own may be used as work equipment at CSE.

Note that:

• You must install the monitor and then it must be inspected by an officer from CSG. You will not be allowed to use the monitor if it does not meet the monitor restrictions (section below).

• CSG stock monitors may be removed from your desk when you add extra monitors. What is removed is at the discretion of CSG. Generally:

  • no stock monitors will be placed at the desk if there are already two display screens (monitor or laptop).

  • If a very large monitor (27" or bigger) is at the desk, then no stock monitor will be placed there.

• No extra components will be provided by CSG to allow you use the monitor. You must provide your own power cable, video cables and video adapters.

• The owner of a monitor must only use it at their desk. (Unless there is a very good reason to place it elsewhere.)

• When general CSE equipment is tested for such things as electrical risk (eg: annual Electrical Testing and Tagging) the monitor must be tested also.

Restrictions on other monitors

1. Monitor must be intact, in good condition and installed appropriately:

   • It must not have a significant risk of causing injury.

   • There must be no exposed electrical conductors or frayed or weak cabling.

   • It must not be likely to break apart, drop bits, topple over.

   • It must not be likely to damage other equipment when it is used.

   • It must not contribute much to clutter or impede the movement of people or use of desks.

2. Monitor must not be excessively large for the desk. (At the determination of CSG.)

3. The placement or use of the monitor should not interfere with the work of other personnel. It should not extend over onto the desk of a colleague. It should not create a significant visual distraction for people nearby.

Last edited by robertd 19/10/2023