"Quiet" Computing Anyone?

As you know, most of the library's computers are clustered near the entrance. In the midst of a high traffic area. With the service desks close at hand. And study tables and working students just a few feet away.

Which means (as some of you have informed us) that computer users are frequently trying to work in the midst of a pretty hectic environment. It's true that there are more PCs at the far end of the first floor but they're pretty popular.

With that in mind, we recently made some changes to the IT services we offer:

• 6 computers have been relocated to the third floor. This, of course, is a "Quiet Zone" where no noise is permitted, assuring that some of you will be able to use a computer free of the distractions all too common on the main floor. 4 of them are along the right hand wall as you come on to the floor while the other 2 are in the far corner. And they are connected to the printers downstairs.
• Many students own a laptop, tablet or smart phone, allowing them to access the wireless network. They have the mobility to seek out any quiet corner they like. But sometimes they need to be near an electrical outlet to keep their screen from going black. So we have run plugs to 12 of the study carrels from the pillars near the beginning of the third floor. Fewer cords lying on the floor waiting to trip unsuspecting walkers.

On that note, this is another chance to reminder everyone that we also have 10 laptops that can be borrowed (for 3 hours) and used anywhere in the library. They're all ready to go and you can print from them too. Check availability at the Circulation Desk.

Hope this helps.