New technology arrives at Carlson

New laptops, iPads, computers and other technological upgrades have been added to Carlson Library in time for this fall at the University of Toledo.

As a result of Student Government’s requests, these upgrades were things senators thought students most wanted to see in the library. According to Dominic D’Emilio, director of college technology, client services and network services, some features have been in the works for the past two years, but were all finished this summer.

“The charging tables, the computers and the laptops were all brought to us by the student government,” said Rick Gerasimiak, manager of desktop support. “We listen to the students.”

According to D’Emilio, new iPads, were installed so students can come into the library and quickly check their email or browse the web without using one of the computers.

“It’s just a simple kiosk system to browse the Internet,” said D’Emilio. “We also came up with some unique printing capabilities with the iPads.”

The iPads, dubbed “RocketPads”, cost about $500 each including the wall mounts that were used to hook them up. Two Mac labs were upgraded and installed with a total of six new iMacs in the process. The Mac labs are rooms in the library with sixteen iMac computer workstations.

“We thought that the labs were being underutilized,” D’Emilio said. “We know that Macs are popular among the students, so we bought all new computers.”

According to D’Emilio, since most of the items that were purchased were in bulk, UT was able to get discounts, so each iMac cost around $1,100. The MSRP for iMacs is currently $1,799.

Another addition to the library are five charging tables which cost around $1,000 each, according to D’Emilio. At the charging tables, students will be able to charge their phones, laptops or tablets. Some cables are provided, but students are welcome to bring their own as well.

D’Emilio also mentioned that they incorporated these tables as a service to the students after seeing them come into the library and set their devices on the floors while charging.

“We noticed that people were unplugging monitors to plug their devices in,” Gerasimiak said. “Aside from that, we found that people were getting stuff stolen.”

Gerasimiak said the added charging tables were custom-made to match the existing décor in the library. He explained that these tables are also above the standard of most charging tables, as they are five feet in diameter as opposed to the normal four feet.

Perhaps the biggest change in the library according to Gerasimiak is the new all-in-one computers that have replaced the older computers around the library. These new monitors have a 23-inch-wide screen and the components like the hard drive and USB ports are behind or on the side of the monitor.

“This is also more ‘green’ for us because it takes less power,” Gerasimiak said. “There is only one power cord now.”

In addition, computers in different areas of the Information Center will now print at one station by default based on proximity so that one printing station will not be overcrowded.

Altogether, D’Emilio said there were 86 computers that were updated, each costing about $750.

The laptop check-out program was also completely refreshed with 74 new laptops available for check-out. The sign-out process is automatic with no need for paper.

“Students are allowed to check-out a laptop in three-hour increments and can check them out again if needed longer,” Gerasimiak said. “All that is required to check one out is a valid student ID.”

Due to the amount ordered, D’Emilio said these were purchased for around $1,000 each.

Zach Stefancin, a third-year mechanical engineering major, believes that the upgrades will promote more usage of the library’s technology.

“More students will probably come here to study once the word gets out about the new tech,” Stefancin said.

Regarding any other new upgrades, D’Emilio said he thinks there won’t be any more.

“I think at this point we’re satisfied,” said D’Emilio.

Gerasimiak wants students to know that he is available to help and that students should not hesitate to ask if they need anything.

“If there’s anything that a student feels like they need on a computer, contact us and we’ll put it on for you,” Gerasimiak said. “We’re here to serve you guys.”