In these times of economic crisis, the University is looking for ways to cut the budget without negatively impacting students. A plan with this goal in mind is ITC’s decision to slowly phase out computers on Grounds in favor of remote access to software that is currently featured on University computers. While having less hardware to maintain would certainly save the University a few bucks, the extra strain it would put on the student body as a whole is not worth the money saved. ITC’s assumption that since the majority of students own a computer they no longer require desktops on Grounds overlooks some important facts about desktop use. Desktop computers on Grounds are necessary for students without laptops, laptop owners who would rather not have their computer with them at all times, and students who are unfortunate enough to deal with a computer crash.
Students who choose to own desktop computers rather than laptops will be negatively impacted by ITC’s plan. Obviously they are unable to bring their computers with them to Grounds, but now they will be unable to drop in the library between classes and check their e-mail if need be. When it comes to writing papers, they will have to hope that their roommates will be considerate and stay quiet while they write, rather than having the option to head to the library for a quiet night to themselves. The number of students who own desktop computers is a minority, but they will still be hurt by the elimination of computers on Grounds.
Even students who own laptop computers do not always find a need to bring them to Grounds. The distraction that comes from having a laptop at all times can seriously inhibit one’s work. Many people have seen it happen or even experienced it themselves. Someone heads to the library, laptop in tow, ready to pump out a paper. He gets out his laptop, opens up Firefox and iTunes, and then it goes downhill from there. A few hours go by and he wonders why he came to the library at all. Using the desktops at the library allows students to resist the temptation to use personal software that distracts them from their work. Someone can hop onto a computer quickly to check their e-mail or type up an essay, but without access to their personal music library, video games, movies, or whatever else is on their computer, students are more likely to work quickly and efficiently.
Even when it’s necessary, bringing a laptop on Grounds is a hassle. A laptop adds another ten pounds to the weight one is carrying, which can be a drag when walking to class takes you ten to twenty minutes. Also, laptops are expensive pieces of equipment. The wear and tear they take when they are being lugged around shortens their lifespan and they are tempting objects for people who may be looking to make a quick buck on some stolen computer merchandise. Despite the fact that they are portable, laptops are not necessarily up to the strain that college life puts them under.
Aside from these concerns, not having computers in the library is a horrifying prospect for a student whose computer hard drive has just crashed. I had to go through this unfortunate ordeal over the summer, in which I was without my own computer for about three to four weeks. Three to four weeks without a computer in college is a lifetime. The multitude of papers, short answer question assignments, and other writing tasks is overwhelming. Without computers in the libraries, students with malfunctioning hardware will have to depend upon their friends to lend them their computers when they’re not using them, which is most likely a rare occasion.
ITC’s plan to phase out computers on Grounds is not an inherently bad idea. Using the fourth floor of Clemons as a model for responding to students’ needs in terms of workspace and use of technology, ITC seems to be hitting the mark. When asked about students’ responses to the remodeled fourth floor, Donna Tolson, Head of Clemons Library, stated that, “Our perception is that students are big fans of the changes to the fourth floor... We have not received complaints about the lack of desktops – but there are still 30 available on the floor.” If ITC continues to respond to students’ needs in this manner, then perhaps the elimination of desktops on Grounds is not a foregone conclusion.
Reducing costs for the University in the economic downturn is a good idea and the plan to grant remote access to software on University computers will be a nice technological feature for students looking to avoid going broke over software. Not having to pay for an updated version of Microsoft Office every few years would save students hundreds of dollars, but it’s a shame that the trade off for this service is the end of University computers on Grounds.
If University computers and the remote access program could co-exist, ITC would be doing a great service to the University community. The co-existence of desktops and remote access would indicate ITC’s true desire to respond to students’ technological needs. But the practical implications and limitations that eliminating University computers would put on students is not worth the few dollars the University would save. ITC should continue to respond to students’ needs as they have been, and maintain desktops on Grounds while pursuing the plan for remote access to University software.
Michael Khavari is a Viewpoint Writer for The Cavalier Daily.
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