|
Renovations to Gelman Library have placed 80 new Dell computers throughout the building and will bring a $400,000 smart classroom to the third floor and increased office space for newly hired library staff. The upgrades were prompted by the full implementation of the once-experimental University Writing program, which called for increased instructional space in the library.
While no new study areas were added, the library updated 65 percent of its public-use computers.
Funding for the work came from library revenue, the voluntary library gifts and two anonymous donors.
"This work represents how the library is working to support all aspects of the campus," said William Mayer, associate University librarian for information technology.
Mayer organized the upgrading of computers to Dell SX280, which will have more memory than the previous machines.
"Between 80 and 100 computers were replaced throughout the building," Mayer said. "This number includes staff computers as well as all of the public-use computers on the first floor."
The compact machines each came with a $1,500 price tag, and in all, Mayer oversaw purchases of $45,000 in new computers.
Gelman's third floor underwent the most dramatic remodeling and will be finished two weeks ahead of schedule in time for the first day of classes. After five years of planning, an electronic classroom overlooking H Street is fully equipped with an etched glass entryway, new white boards and a larger SmartBoard designed for computer instruction. The room has 24 new computer workstations and is outfitted for wireless connection.
