Library Notes

Over the last few months, library staff members have been busy improving the library’s public computing resources. The most exciting news is our new Windows machines. We have replaced all the reference room and LRC Windows machines. These small-form machines with flat panel monitors occupy only one quarter as much space as their predecessors. They also have their USB ports and headphone jacks on the front for easy access. All these machines have drives to play DVDs and burn CDS. They do not have floppy drives but portable drives are available at the LRC desk. All of the new computers have the full Microsoft Office suite and all the educational software too, regardless of their location in the library. (Previously, Office and educational software were only available on LRC machines.)

The computers with scanners attached now provide the full Adobe Creative suite. This means that you can create and modify PDF documents in addition to creating web documents. These additional software programs provide a substantial increase in the usability of the LRC.

The printer in the reference room was moved from the center of the room to the reference desk a few weeks ago. We made this change so we could increase the number of computers in the center of the room by two. We also added four more computers to the north side of the reference room so we have more distributed computing in the library. We are also providing network cables and headphones for check out at the front circulation desk.

Having replaced the Windows machines, the library’s staff is now exploring new Macs and we expect to have those new machines available in the next few months. If you have any suggestions or comments please let the library staff know or contact Kurt Munson, Head, User Services at (312) 503-6898 or kmunson@northwestern.edu.