Availability of campus computer labs
Library computer use is often at capacity on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The college is relying more and more on the internet and specifically the Angel system to communicate with students and when the library desktop computers are at capacity, sometimes students don’t know where to turn to get their homework done.
Although the UCC 2010/11 catalog states that “over 300 computers are available for student use,” finding the labs and knowing when they are available can be a difficult job.
Students can access the library’s 41 desktop computers and 15 laptops during regular library hours of 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, and 1-4 p.m. Saturday.
“We never run out.” says Library Director David Hutchison when asked about availability of the laptops.
Laptops for in-library use only may be checked out for up to three hours with a current student ID. Students whose ID has expired can get a current term sticker by bringing a copy of their schedule to the library. The library laptops have printer availability through the library wireless printer.
Another option for on-campus computer use are the 22 computers in ESB 15B. They are available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and although occasionally reserved for classroom instruction are “never as crowded as the library” according to Vickie Formosa, tutor coordinator. Students can check the schedule posted in the lab when they arrive to make sure that the computers will be available for the necessary time period.
Less crowded, but less reliable options are the many labs on campus that are staffed by student tutors. Availability schedules change often as student availability changes. Snyder 16 has 26 computers; Wayne Crooch rooms 11 & 17 have 36 combined; ESB 32 has 23; Whipple holds 12 computers, the Science building has 12 and the Technology building has 25.
Teachers often reserve entire rooms for classroom use. ESB computers are also used regularly for testing. The science building computers are located in a classroom and are reserved for science class usage. They require permission from an instructor to use according to Victoria Sawyer, the science secretary. The Whipple lab is close to the open areas of the art gallery and the building secretary recommends that it be reserved for quiet, individual studies.
Finding a favorite computer station in the library may be difficult during peak hours, but armed with information about the many options available; finding a computer to use on campus should never be impossible.
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