(VIDEO) The libraries' technology department made a number of upgrades to library computers in response to student issues.
The Texas Tech University Libraries Technology Management and Services Department (LTMS) recently began a series of technological upgrades throughout the library. The goal of these upgrades was to address responsiveness issues received from students regarding computer use. A total of 149 public computers throughout the library were upgraded with the addition of solid-state drives to decrease login time from three minutes to 30 seconds. In addition, 57 new computers with solid-state drives were purchased and installed for public use on the ground floor.
Technology in the GroupWorks area also received a makeover. Six NEC 65-inch display monitors and six Dell Precision T1700s replaced the old equipment at the 65-inch screen stations. In the future, all 13 dual monitor stations will be upgraded with a digital switcher, which will allow the more common HDMI interface.
Dean of Libraries Bella Karr Gerlich said a focus on technology is paramount in creating an environment for student success, so when they received feedback from student users that technology was too slow and unresponsive, she made technology upgrades a priority.
“We believe the library helps to level the academic resource playing field for all students, whatever their major or classification might be,” Gerlich said. “It's important to us that all students have the same access to the latest software, millions of e-resources, the high-quality equipment and the state-of-the-art technology the library has to offer.”
Anthony Cox, IT support technician, said LTMS has wanted to do this for quite some time, but never had the funding to do such a large overhaul.
“With a combination of Higher Education Assistance Fund (HEAF) funding and university library technology management budget, we were able to do what was best to improve our users' experience,” Cox said.
The LTMS department maintains 200 computers, all with the latest Microsoft Office and Adobe software installed, throughout the library for students, faculty and the public. Locations include the ground floor, mezzanine and the Digital Media Studio (DMS) on the second floor. The DMS provides high-tech equipment, including Go-Pro cameras and microphones, for 48-hour check out.