'Super' news for library users

Students returning to Trent University this fall will have access to significantly upgraded computer facilities in the Bata Library, thanks to a comprehensive renovation project just getting under way.

The project will create three multi-use areas within the second floor of the library, providing extra space for classes, training and labs. The renovations involve moving some walls and carpeting, but a lot of it is happening behind the scenes, with wiring and networking changes, said Dave Binkley, director of computing services.

The first major deliverable tackled under SuperBuild funding, the project will see 60 faster, more powerful computers grouped in work areas and training facilities. All the machines will be network connected and will offer access to all the programs currently available in student computing labs.

The existing training room will be given a facelift, providing additional classroom space. And unlike the existing training centre, the locked doors will disappear, providing computer lab space during hours when it is not in formal use.

Computer help desk staff will be moved upstairs to the second floor, so they are more available to help solve problems and answer questions, says university librarian Tom Eadie. "We will have a lot more technology available, so we want to support it."

This work will transform the second floor of the library into a technology floor, with an expanded interactive learning centre, the new workstations and on-site support personnel.

"This will be a significant improvement to our facilities," said Eadie.

Trent is spending more than $85,000 for the new computers, part of a $320,000 computer investment for the university as a whole, along with about $250,000 on renovations to the library and $640,000 to develop high-speed network connections.

The goal is to have the new library facilities ready in time for the beginning of the fall semester in September, with an official opening scheduled for the following month.

The new computer lab in the library is part of a joint initiative between Trent and Sir Sandford Fleming College to establish a computer network between the institutions, and provide equipment, space and software to exploit that connection. Student and faculty in joint programs will be able to access the electronic resources of both institutions. The additional computers and improved networks will ensure that the entire Trent community benefits from the high-speed link, said Binkley.

An office and student work stations will be set aside in the re-designed library for use by Fleming staff and students, while similar Trent facilities will be located across town at Fleming.

The new facilities in the library represent only a portion of what has been shaping up as an extremely busy season for his department, says Binkley.

Other work during the summer will include:

• A digital library project, which will allow Internet users to browse a selection of the Library's historical documents.
• Deployment of PerfectTracker software to allow users to submit and track service requests, questions, and trouble reports using a simple Web interface, or email.
• Work on WebCT, a package that allows instructors to put courses on the Web.
• Completion of various parts of our on-going Datatel implementation, which provides quick access to transcripts, academic summaries, class lists, billing and other student-related functions.

"The SuperBuild funding will give us a chance to remake the Trent computing environment," says Binkley. "The work it makes for us is substantial, but so is the contribution it will make to the Trent student experience. It is very exciting."

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