Student Computers

Suggestion: Designate several computers for 5 minute use only. Frequently I have to wait for over 10 minutes just to log on long enough to print class notes or a paper.

Response: If you think about it, setting a certain number of computers for a short time would make them unavailable for those needing computers for a longer time period. It may be a moot point, because the last time I checked with the Academic Technology staff, the maximum usage period had to be the same for all the public access computers in the Pharos sign-up system. I will send your request in to them and see if this has changed.

I have data, though, that indicates that the problem is not a lack of computers, or too much time allowed to people on computers in the library. The problem is that students are not making sufficient use of other available computers on the Bryan Campus.

For example, I have often noticed that when all computers are in use in the library, the Learning Center (room L-258) may have only half of their computers in use.

As I'm writing this (at 11:15am on Monday November 8th, 2010) I checked computer usage, and there is currently

• 1 computer available in the Library
• 35 computers available in the learning center

All you have to do is ride the elevator or take the stairs one floor up.

Here are some interesting numbers for the three places on our campus that have computers for students to use:

Average computer use in the busy times (generally 9am-7pm):

• Library: 90-95%, with an occasional dip after 5pm to just under 70%
• Learning Center (L-258): usage peaks at just under 70%, but is usually under 50%
• Open Computer Lab (H-225)L: 15-40% usage

...and just take a look at last week's print job statistics:

• Library: 4,869 print jobs; 21,041 sheets of paper
• Learning Center: 2,908 print jobs; 9,404 sheets of paper
• Open Computer Lab: 1,841 print jobs; 8,262 sheets of paper

So if you just need to print, give the Learning Center a try. The odds are much higher that you will find a computer you can use immediately. Try to Open Computer Lab if you are closer to the H building.

If you need to do research, and you can't find a computer, come to the Research Assistance desk, and we'll help you.