Library hosts grand opening of technology study section

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    By Carrie Rowe

    Tuesday”s grand opening of the Information Commons, a technology-based group study area in the library, will feature tours and prizes.

    The open house of the Commons, which is located in the general reference section across from the circulation desk, will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this time, students will receive guided tours explaining the technology features of each station, as well as view a presentation of the services offered.

    At the open house, students can enter drawings for a Sony PDA, an Apple iPod and t-shirts. Drawings will take place at noon and 4 p.m., but students need not be present to win.

    Following the open house, the Commons will be available for student use. Spaces in the area can be reserved through the library Web page reservations link or through the Information Commons Web page.

    The Commons will include 38 multi-user workstations and two technical group study rooms, accommodating about 100 students at a time. Workstations are equipped with enhanced software and scanners and allow extra space and multiple chairs for group work. The group study rooms include a computer workstation, multiple laptop docks, and a projector for Power Point presentations. However, the rooms will not be ready for a few weeks.

    Technological equipment will also be available for student checkout, including digital video cameras, tripods, lights, microphones and a digital still camera. Students can also edit their work in the Commons after shooting projects.

    Mike Hooper, library communications manager, said similar ideas have been implemented at other universities throughout the last year.

    “It is becoming more and more common that libraries become service-oriented to students,” Hooper said. “They”re more technologically capable for students – not just your father”s library, where it”s quiet and you do your research and read your books.”

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