By Patrick Hubbard | Echo
Homework motivation isn't all that lags during a long study session at the library; just as students sometimes need an extra boost, so do their dying phones. Thankfully, the Zondervan Library and Taylor IT department are making efforts to integrate different technology into the library to prevent this from being a problem for those hard at work.
The library has added a phone charging station with eight adapters into the main floor of the building, which will serve to increase the frequency of students' use of the facility, as well as its overall effectiveness, according to Dan Bowell, university librarian.
Along with the addition of phone stations, the library has also recently added sets of lockers from which students may charge their phones near the front desk, although these have only found limited success. Additionally, most tables in the library provide USB charging ports. The library also provides eBook readers and laptops for students to use.
"These . . . 'power-related' experiments represent small efforts to make the library inviting, functional and an effective place for students to study and learn," Bowell said.
Bowell is optimistic about the general increase in technology that the library has seen over the past few semesters, specifically in the way that it can affect students' learning experiences.
"The library seeks to be a place where learning happens-whether through a group working in a group study room or someone working solo at a single carrel," Bowell claimed. "Our key charge as librarians is to assist with connecting people to quality information that they need, and that assistance can take a variety of forms."With the arrival of so many new technologies, Bowell wants students to know the library is continuing to supply printed books, but that its services are not limited solely to the rental of paper materials. He pointed out that there are nearly four times more digital resources than physical ones, and that things such as eBooks are a viable option for growth and learning.
"The library must keep aware of technologies that can deliver quality information effectively to support teaching and learning," Bowell said.
The scheduled movement of the Educational Technology Center (ETC) into the library marks a new stage in Zondervan's technological journey and has the potential to make the library even more relevant to the academic efforts of students. However, the decision to implement new charging accessibility and ease of electronic use to students was not in response to the relocation of this service, according to Bowell. Rather, it will allow the presence of technology to further accent learning.
"(The) transition will, I believe, give us increased momentum for exploring new information technologies that serve students and faculty," Bowell stated.
