It’s 110 degrees, the guy next to you hasn’t moved in three days and begins to drool on the keyboard, and a concoction of mysterious odors permeates the room. Ah, Mudd computer labs during times of high academic stress – a pleasant place to spend one’s time, most would agree.
For those who don’t own computers and have been forced to endure the trauma of a packed computer lab, a new, more manageable alternative exists. Students can now check out Macintosh iBooks from the Mudd Library circulation desk. Eight are currently available for use anywhere within the building for up to 4 hours. They are all equipped with wireless access to the campus network as well as a large number of software options.

Although Mudd began its lending program at the beginning of the semester, it remains a largely unknown privilege. Demand has not yet risen as projected.
The eight laptops were given to the library by the Center for Information Technology (CIT), who along with the language lab staff, have helped configure the software. The intention of lending out the computers to students is to increase the accessibility and convenience of technologies in the library environment, for either research initiatives or general use.
“The flexibility that it offers … will give more people more efficiency,” Allison Gould, Head of Circulation said. “The library is a good place to be providing this service.” Gould also noted that the addition of widely accessible portable technologies is occurring in libraries all over the country.

Ray English, Director of Libraries, spoke highly of the program, which is now in its pilot stage. He expressed the desire for the laptops to be used on a regular basis. If the program is successful, there is interest in expanding the program to other libraries on campus if funds become available. English also emphasized the importance of the laptops as a research resource.
“There are certain limits on what you can do anchored to a workstation. It is nice to have the mobility, particularly when doing library work,” he said. He also noted that portable computers have become the most popular purchases in the computer market and that not every student has the same access to them as they do to desktops. This program, in his view, will somewhat help bridge that gap by making the machines available to everyone.
“The circulation desk staff is always looking for new ways to improve our service to our parons, and this seems to be a great new service for students,” Peggi Ignagni, the new Circulation Supervisor said. “I like the idea that laptops are now available to all students regardless of their financial situation.” Ignagni pointed out the program’s great potential, as a way for students to enjoy the comfort “of Mudd’s most remote corners while also having access to network service.

“I think it is very appropriate for the circulation desk to loan out all types of materials besides the usual books. These iBooks are just another way to obtain information, which is what a library is all about,” she said.

Ahsan Tanveer, who works at the Circulation Desk and checks out the iBooks, noted that the machines do have several minor shortcomings. Some students have complained that the computers run out of power too quickly and are too slow. In addition, they are not connected to printers. Nevertheless, Tanveer expressed his overall enthusiasm for the new program.
“They are a sure assistance to someone who’s writing an assignment and wants to think in a very peaceful environment,” he said. “That person can go anywhere in the library and work effectively.”