Laptops Connect at New Shields Library Ports

The twelve carrels, located in the reading room behind the information desk, allow users to plug their laptops directly into an activated wall jack and take advantage of such online services as the MELVYL system, the Web, and the central campus UNIX machines. Whereas laptops might once have been handy for taking notes, completing class assignments, or working with off-line software, now they also can be used for accessing e-mail or locating library resources.

On-campus network access has many advantages for laptop users. While PCs with online capabilities may be found throughout the campus libraries, users outnumber stations during peak times. Lines also form at campus computer labs, so checking one's e-mail on campus is not always a simple task. Downloading information also becomes more convenient with a laptop. Library PCs can be used to access the Web, but users must have a diskette to save the material. Laptop owners using the new network ports can download data from the Internet directly onto their hard drive.

"I was really surprised at the connection I got," says David Elmo Ho, a sophomore majoring in Agricultural Economics. Ho connects at home by modem to the campus modem pool, which affords only a 14.4 Kbps line rate. Downloading a 1 MB file from home can take up to an hour during optimum periods (early morning hours) and less than a minute via the direct connection.

Ho, who doesn't own a network card, can borrow one from the Reserves Services desk in Shields. It is checked out on his library card for a period up to four hours and comes with a coaxial cable, an adapter, and instructions. Currently there are four kits available for check out.

Library Systems Manager Mary Heath says the installation of the network ports serves to forward one of the General Library's most essential aims.

"We want to ensure that students have access to instructional materials. Because an increasing number of materials and resources are electronic, we see this as one way of realizing that goal," Heath says. Some journals eventually may discontinue publishing paper copies entirely, and this makes access to online resources increasingly important for students, educators, and researchers.

The ports may encourage more students to purchase laptops, says Ho. Because laptops are more expensive than desktop computers, students must weigh expense against portability. "For a student like me who is on the go all the time, a laptop is very convenient," he says.

The area where the ports are located is marked only with a sign near the Information Desk, and the carrels themselves have notices indicating that they are equipped with jacks and outlets for network access. Few students seem to know about them, and the library is working on getting the word out. Library administrators, with the help of Information Technology, are planning to increase the number of ports, and the project might be accelerated if use of the ports increases substantially.