Library Suggestions
Wednesday, December 8, 2004
Computer Suggestions
SUGGESTION:Computers on main entry level do not have Microsoft Office programs. So the computers in the Media Center are flooded with students. Install Microsoft Word and Excel on the equipment on main entry level.
ANSWER:
A critically important part of learning is developing the ability to locate reliable information. This requires a place where students have access to equipment for searching for information and also have access to information professionals for guidance in their research. These are the only computers on campus dedicated to this purpose. There are numerous open computer labs on campus. Check the Information Technology Service (ITS) Website for locations and hours.
The PC lab workstations on the main entry floor of the Library are provided for this purpose. We are aware that students sometimes use this equipment for other activities. If you need a computer for doing research, the librarians at the Reference Desk are available for asking a student who is not doing research or class work to give up the machine for a student who is.
SUGGESTION:
I am a student working on my Ph.D. and teaching full-time at a community college. Allot 5 computers for just Ph.D. students.
ANSWER:
This fall Tech has 9,319 students. Many students, undergraduate as well as graduate, have other responsibilities, like employment and families. All of these students are important to us. It would be hard to justify to the 9,115 undergraduate and master’s students that we have set aside computers for the exclusive use of the 102 Ph.D. students.
We are happy to announce that we are now (December 2004) able to make 16 laptops that have been in use for library instruction also available for individual student checkout. Because these machines will still be used for library instruction, they will be available for in-library use only. However, they are equipped with wireless network cards that give access to the campus network from most areas on the second and third levels of our building. You can check them out in the Media Center.
There are numerous computers available in open labs on campus. The lab in Brown Hall, room 207, is open 24 hours daily, except Saturday.
SUGGESTION:
The printer on the main entry floor of the library seems very slow to me.
ANSWER:
We have spoken to the ITS staff who maintain the PC lab equipment. A perceived slow response can be due to a number of factors, including complexity of a print job, the computer at your workstation, network congestion, and age and memory of the printer. The University acquires new equipment each year to replace the oldest equipment in the PC labs, so there are constant improvements in the available equipment and response time.
When you have a problem with a computer or printer, please report it to the librarian at the Reference Desk so that we can get the problem(s) fixed.
SUGGESTION:
Laptops should print to the laser printer.
ANSWER:
We think this is a great idea and asked ITS to see if it is possible. ITS is working on a solution.
Winston A. Walden
Director of the Library
