Library opens new center for technology

Strange things are happening at the Main Library this week. Virtually every computer is occupied, with students waiting in line for an available space. Packs of students lounge around, with books and notes sprawled on the floor, all talking in groups.\nMaybe midterms are coming eight weeks early this year -- or maybe they could just be checking their e-mail. More than likely, though, the crowds of students filling the first floor of the Undergraduate Tower are there to check out IU's brand new Information Commons center. \nCarolyn Walters, head of Undergraduate Services for IU Libraries said the Infomation Commons has been an instant success.\n"It's so unusual to have this many people at workstations this early in the year," Walters said. "We've had a lot of unsolicited positive feedback, too. One guy even told us that his buddy e-mailed him over the summer to tell him that the first thing he needed to do when he got back to school was come check out the Information Commons. He was really excited." \nThe renovated area includes 250 workstations, all with brand new computers and nearby wireless Ethernet hookups, along with clusters of couches for lounge and study space overlooking the Arboretum.\nA major issue library officials wanted to address was the lack of group work space in the old area. \n"None of the labs were configured well for group projects before, so when they conceptualized the new Information Commons, group work stations were a priority," said Eric Bartfield, Assistant Director of Development for IU Libraries. \n"It's laid out so much better now," said Sarah Lowe, a senior business and political science major. "You can work a lot easier with this new design. I came a lot before, but now it will be such a better work environment. I knew they were doing renovations, but I didn't know it would be this nice." \nInsomniacs and procrastinators will enjoy the Information Commons' hours. The entire 27,000-square-foot area will be open 24 hours, seven days a week. \nNot only will students be able to take advantage of all the new computers and equipment, but any questions they have can be answered. Library and Student Technology Centers' support staff will also be on hand 24 hours to help navigate the new equipment. \n"It integrates all of the traditional amenities of a library, like one-on-one help from librarians and books, with modern technology, like UITS support and all of this new equipment," said Charles Rondot, senior communications specialist in the Office of the Vice President for Information Technology. \nA new Adaptive Technology Center, designed to serve students and staff with disabilities, was also added to replace one of the computer labs. The Center features voice recognition technology and applications that can translate text into Braille and print tactile maps. \n"We want this environment to suit the students' needs," Rondot said. "We want this whole Information Commons to be somewhere students can study and relax comfortably." \nRenovations for the $1.5 million project, a joint effort between IU Libraries and UITS, began last January and opened to students this past August. More additions, including a student polycom station for video conferencing, are also scheduled to open in the next few months. \nThe ribbon cutting, celebrating the formal grand opening of the Information Commons, will be held Thursday, Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. with tours and demonstrations open to students. \n"This is an evolving space based on our perceptions of students' needs," Walters said. "We're certainly open to hearing from students if they think any further improvements or additions are needed."\n -- Contact staff writer Andrea Minarcek at aminarce@indiana.edu.