Contact: Melissa Cox Norris, Director of Library Communications, (513) 556-1558 or melissa.norris@uc.edu
University Libraries, University of Cincinnati received two grants totaling nearly $60,000 that will allow them to improve access and use of technology in the College of Applied Science (CAS) Library and for students with disabilities. The two grants, funded by Instructional Technology and Instructional Equipment (ITIE) fees, are issued by the University in support of programs that improve and enhance technology.
The first grant received by University Libraries will create an InfoCommons @ CAS, an interactive learning environment that supports students in technology-based and research-based group activities. The fourth such facility in University Libraries, the InfoCommons @ CAS will include 16 computers plus furniture, scanners, and specialty software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver, In addition, digital video recorders and digital cameras will be added to the existing CAS Library inventory of equipment available for students to use for classroom presentations and digital project development. Library staff and student workers will be trained on how to use the equipment and software available in CAS and will be able to guide students as they utilize the technology in the most unique ways.
“Today’s student requires access to resources using the latest technology, space conducive to group work, and the ready availability of multimedia software and equipment for the production of digital products,” said Jane Carlin, acting head of the CAS Library. “The InfoCommons @ CAS will provide an active learning environment tied to the curriculum need of students.”
The second ITIE grant received by University Libraries will enable students with disabilities to access and use technology to research library resources and create documents (both electronic and hard copy). To address the challenges those with disabilities face in using technology, University Libraries will equip computer workstations in two libraries (Langsam Library and the College-Conservatory of Music Library) with adjustable furniture and adaptive software for the hearing, visually, and mobility impaired. The workstations will include JAWS screen-reading software; Dragon Naturally Speaking voice-recognition software that performs commands allowing a speaker to use the computer; and Optical Braille Recognition software that scans Braille documents and converts them either to type or to sound.
“Students with disabilities will benefit greatly from having all of the accessibility hardware and software in one workstation for easy access and ease of use,” said Erma Fritsche, head of library technology services. “The combination of specialty hardware and software tailored for those with disabilities will allow for equal access to University Libraries’ collections and electronic resources.”
“University Libraries is committed to developing innovative services
to enhance student learning,” said Victoria A. Montavon, dean and university
librarian. “The InfoCommons @ CAS and the new computer workstations
that will serve students with disabilities are two fine examples of how technology
helps us to provide quality service to students as they pursue their educational
goals.”
Both the InfoCommons @ CAS and the computer workstations serving students
with disabilities will be ready by Summer 2004.
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