Laptop Library opening today

By NIKKI VELISARIS
Collegian Staff Writer

Penn State will hold an official open house for its first virtual library at 3:00 p.m. today.

Pollock Library, formerly an undergraduate study area with a small selection of reference books, newspapers and other materials, was converted into a Laptop Library, which actually opened Nov. 4, 1998.

Students can sign out and use laptop computers in the study carrels now equipped with network capabilities. Laptops are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but cannot be taken out of the library.

"This library combines the best of both worlds. The computing resources and the library resources are all in one place," said Tona Henderson, head of the Laptop Library.

There are 50 laptop computers available, and there is no time limit when students check them out.

There have not been any problems with the new system yet, Henderson said, and a staff familiar with the computer programs is available around the clock to assist students.

Each computer comes with instructions, and most students are able to connect to the system on their own, said Nadine Nirnberger, a member of the library's staff.

Students can use the laptop computers to access LIAS, the World Wide Web or use word-processing programs.

While many students are unable to access Penn State and library resources through personal computers, the high-powered computers available at the Laptop Library allow students to use such resources.

Students who do not want to use the computers can still use the library for quiet study or other purposes.

"With quiet-study space at a premium, coupled with the growth of electronic resources, we had to create a facility that students could self-define," Nancy Eaton, dean of libraries, said in a press release.

A network printer has been set up in the library, but students cannot access the printer from the laptops yet.

"We're still working out the kinks about printing, but it's a technical problem that we'll be able to solve," Henderson said.

In the new Paterno Library, there will be networking throughout so students can use their own laptop computers. If things go well with the Laptop Library, Penn State may consider making more changes to increase the use of virtual libraries, said Sally Kalin, associate dean for University Park libraries.

The new Laptop Library is an exciting development for Penn State and will become a model for the future, Penn State President Graham Spanier said in an e-mail.

Spanier, Eaton, Executive Vice President and Provost John Brighton and the Nittany Lion will be at today's open house to showcase the new library's features. The first 100 Penn State students at the open house will receive a free T-shirt and pizza.