York St John University, Library and Information Communication and Technology Services, Fountains Learning Centre
| Contact Details: | Colin Parkin, Facilities Director - c.parkin@yorksj.ac.uk; Helen Westmancoat, Acting University Librarian - h.westmancoat@yorksj.ac.uk |
| Type of Project: | Refurbishment of 5000m2 three storey building first opened in 2003 as a library and IT service with both services operating largely separately from the building. From its opening it became apparent that the upper floors were being used to their full potential but the ground floor had potential for further development. The institution wanted to maximise the use and impact of the whole building providing more IT and learning facilities as well as bringing together the Library and IT staff in a converged service. |
| Start/End Date: | First meeting to discuss the project took place on 1st April 2011 and while some minor works and equipment installation were still ongoing all works to fabric and infrastructure of the building were completed at JISC infoNet's time of visiting, 27th September 2011. |
Technology
What technology is being used and how is it being used?
Variety of thin and zero client desk top PCs throughout the building means more desk space is available to students while working.
There are 20 laptops, 5 iPads and a number of Flip cameras available for loan from the library main desk.
The whole building is WiFi enabled though PCs use Ethernet so as not to overload WiFi network as some students can have up to three wireless devices. The updating of technology within the space was also coupled with the introduction of the 'MyYSJ' student portal which contains institutional email, timetable, software suite and personal drive that can be accessed remotely.
Each floor also has a Haven Unit (locally referred to as a 'tub') which contains soft seating, a table, a 32" LCD TV with colour coded easy access for USB, headphones and power outlets which students use for collaborative IT based group work.
'Power poles' and floor boxes throughout the building provide a number of power outlets for laptops and other mobile devices.
Each floor also has its own resource section with vending machines, printers and photocopying facilities.
Self-service loan and return facilities are available 24/7.
How does the technology add value?
Use of thin client PCs (PCs on the ground floor are zero client) has meant that the life cycle of machines has been extended by around 3 years and has also created more desk space.
As part of the refurbishment there was a 20% increase in the number of machines made available to students, this additional provision was as a result of student feedback.
MyYSJ was designed to be student specific and put all required resources in one place for ease of use and can be accessed on campus and remotely for ease of access to documents and programs.
The Haven Units (referred to locally as tubs) allow group work and have been designed so that any technology can quickly and easily interface with the AV equipment installed in them.
There is a staffed Library and IT helpdesk during normal working hours but outside of that there is a touch screen self-enabling system that delivers level 1+ assistance.
The placement of the PCs throughout the floors, often separated by bookshelves was deliberate in order to try and create a number of different spaces with their own atmosphere so users of the building can work in the area that suits them best while also allowing self-regulation eg if an area is too noisy there will be another, quieter area available rather than staff or students having to ask those involved in group work to be quiet.
