From Milne Library Infobits Newsletter, Spring 2006:
“Where Are The Available Computers In Milne Library?
Over the past few semesters, Milne Library has installed several LCD screens throughout the library to communicate different types of information such as daily classroom events, campus wide information, library news and library photos. This semester, two more LCD screens (Fig.1) were installed. These screens, located at the Laptop/Equipment Checkout counter of the circulation desk and at the entrance to the Reference Study Area, display a webpage (cit.geneseo.edu /labs/ libdisplay.php) indicating the number of open or available computers in the five computer areas within Milne. Students can check the screens to find where there are open computers and go directly there, rather than walk from area to area looking for one. Since the site is accessible by anyone with an internet connection, students can also check for available computers before coming to the Library, perhaps saving them time when they arrive.
The webpage displays the ratio of open computers to the total number available in each of the five areas, together with blue indicator bars which graphically represent each ratio. For example, a student looking to see if there are open computers in the Reference Study Area may see a tiny bit of blue in the bar and “4/41” listed. This indicates that there are four computers available for use out of a total of 41 computers. In short, more blue in the bar means more computers are available.
Milne Room 222
SUNY Geneseo instructors in all disciplines are assigning more and more multi-media projects to their classes, and students needing assistance with these projects are increasingly requesting Technology Consultations with Milne Library faculty. Finding a place to conduct these consultations, which often involve small groups as well as individual students, without disrupting others has been a challenge, however. As a result, a room (Milne 222) was created and equipped with two tables, network connections and laptop computers for this purpose. Even after the consultation is over, students are welcome remain in the room with their group to continue working on their projects.
Tidbits
Two GPS (global positioning satellite) units with field pouch and instructions are now available from the circulation desk for 7 day loan;
The circulating laptops now have Macromedia Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign installed. These are KeyServed applications, meaning that the number of software licenses for each application determines the number of users that can use them simultaneously;
Milne classrooms 104, 105, 208 and 213 now have a network cable available at the instructor station. Those preferring to use the wired network rather than the wireless network with a laptop computer can simply plug in and go.”