Texas Tech University

University Library brings technology upgrades

Nov. 18, 2015

public computers

This summer, the Texas Tech University Libraries' Technology Management and Services Department began a series of technological upgrades throughout the building. The goal of these upgrades was to address responsiveness issues received from students. A total of 149 public computers throughout the University Library were upgraded with the addition of solid-state drives to decrease login time from three minutes to 30 seconds. In addition to this, 57 new computers with solid-state drives were purchased and installed for public use on the ground floor.

Dean of Libraries Bella Karr Gerlich, Ph.D., said a focus on technology is paramount in creating an environment for student success, so when they received feedback from student users that they felt the technology was too slow and unresponsive, she made technology upgrades a priority.

IT support technician, Anthony Cox, said, LTMS has wanted to do this for quite some time, but never had the funding to do such a large overhaul.

“With a combination of HEAF funding and University Library technology management budget, we were able to do what was best to improve our user's experience,” Cox said.

Technology in the University Libraries' GroupWorks area also received a makeover. Six NEC 65-inch display monitors and six Dell Precision T1700s replaced the old equipment at the 65-inch screen stations. In the future, all 13 dual monitor stations will be upgraded with a digital switcher, which will allow the more common HDMI interface.

The LTMS department maintains 200 computers throughout the Library for students, faculty and the public use. These computers have the latest Microsoft Office and Adobe software installed. Locations include the ground floor, mezzanine and Digital Media Studio (DMS) on the second floor. The DMS provides high-tech equipment from Go-Pro cameras to microphones, for 48-hour check out. To learn more, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_FjSnJiXFQ&feature=youtu.be.

Forget what you think you know. Rediscover the Library.