No longer a simple storehouse and lending service for books, D.H. Hill Library is continuing to expand its collection of technology available to students—a move that has left students wanting more.
D.H. Hill may be home to more than 4 million books and documents, but according to the library’s website, it is also increasing the number of electronic devices available for student checkout.
As part of the library’s technology lending services, more than 30 types of technology are readily available for student checkout, including voice recorders, Amazon Kindles, MacBooks and iPads. Students only need a valid AllCampus card to check out most of the devices.
For students like Dane Fulton, freshman in history with a social studies teaching option, this quick-lending program provides a beneficial opportunity.
“I rented an iPad because my lousy, super-expensive, extremely fine, state-of-the-art super computer can do everything … except maintain an adequate charge in its battery,” Fulton said. “So usually if I’m studying with some friends, I rent it when my computer dies.”
However, Fulton said it is important for students to read the fine print. Some products are available for a shorter time than others, and some are not allowed to be taken from the library.
“It’s a really cool concept, but it almost defeats the entire purpose if you can’t actually leave the library with them,” Fulton said.
Items with the longest checkout times include GPS systems, which are offered for two weeks, though most of the other products are available for a week at a time.
Devices that currently cannot be taken out of the library include laptops, netbooks, video games and video game consoles.
The library also has a quick solution for students who need smaller products like headphones and USB drives: a vending machine.
Unlike other vending machines, this one doesn’t add to students’ waistlines. Instead of soda and candy, D.H. Hill has refurbished one machine to dispense various school supplies, from a simple mechanical pencil to Tylenol and USB drives. Joel Baluka, a sophomore in biochemistry, said he finds the idea fascinating.
“I had no idea this was here,” Baluka said. “The people at the circulation desk literally just told me about this. It’s great because I’m starting to be here more and I can get what I need.”
According to Fulton, the vending machine provides a practical and creative twist on a convention seen virtually everywhere on campus.
“That is a really unique vending machine and I think it’s an ingenious idea, especially since it has items people typically need in a library setting readily available for use,” Fulton said.
Students looking to take a break from studying also have technology options at the library. Kenneth Howell Jr., a sophomore in international studies, said he has found ways to take advantage of the technology offered to students at D.H. Hill, including experimenting with the library’s green screen.
“When I come to the library, other than to study, I’ve checked out cameras and some other things,” Howell said. “We really like to use the green screen. We’ve shot a few videos in here, made a TV show. We use it often for just goofing around and hanging around outside of school.”
While Fulton said he hopes more devices will be available to operate outside of the library, he said D.H. Hill is headed in the right direction.
“They do a real great job of keeping technology of all kinds available to everyone, and I’m honestly really impressed with the selection,” Fulton said. “I just hope they keep doing what they’re doing and maybe allow some more freedoms with the electronics.”
Looking for great places to study or just hang out in D.H. Hill Library? Be sure to check out tomorrow’s Technician.
