UCit@Langsam - a Joint Project
of University Libraries and UCit
by Mike Lieberman, Dean of Instructional and Research Computing
and Vicki Montavon, Dean of University Libraries
UCit and University Libraries are joining forces to create UCit@Langsam, a centrally located, readily accessible, 24/7 computing and study facility that will make a substantial contribution to the 21st-century learning environment for all University of Cincinnati students. This facility will provide the following resources and services:
- a 100-seat computer lab;
- a quiet study room;
- group study rooms;
- offices for UCit staff;
- wireless network access;
- an on-site help desk;
- printing, scanning, and photocopy services; and
- open, unstructured areas in which students can use movable furniture to create individual and group learning spaces.
UCit@Langsam will be on the 5th floor of Langsam Library. When the entire library is open, students will enter the facility via the 4th floor main entrance. At all other times, students will have UC identification card-swipe access available via the 5th floor lobby entrance. We are adding vending machines and appropriate furniture to the 5th floor lobby area and developing a security plan that includes overnight staffing by a public safety officer. We are pursuing improved lighting and signs at the various access points to UCit@Langsam, and developing service coordination regarding the Woodside Garage (which occupies the lower three levels of Langsam Library, where students are likely to park when using the facility during late night and early morning hours).
UCit and University Libraries will draw upon the expertise and experience of their respective staffs to coordinate and improve the services each group already provides to students, but they will also jointly explore new ways to provide seamless and effective service to students in UCit@Langsam. Knowing that students will use the computing resources of UCit@Langsam to access research resources and complete their course assignments, UCit staff and Langsam Info Commons staff will explore ways in which reference assistance can be readily provided to students in UCit@Langsam, for example, through Chat Reference service, Instant Messaging, or cell phone interactions. UCit and Info Commons staff may also determine that it is desirable to have librarians on site in UCit@Langsam at peak demand times for research assistance. UCit and University Libraries staff anticipate opportunities to collaborate with the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CET&L), the Faculty Technology Resource Center (FTRC), and the Student Technology Resource Centers (STRC) at Langsam and the Steger Student Life Center to provide the 21st-century learning environment envisioned for UCit@Langsam.
Funding for the project is in place. We expect work to begin this summer and anticipate a fully functioning facility by the start of winter quarter, 2008.
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