UIS to Revamp Computer Labs

Computer labs in LXR and Harbin Hall will undergo renovations to increase study space as part of a larger initiative which included conversion of labs in Village C West and New South this past summer.

While the locations will retain printing stations and one or two computers, University Information Services will remove the remaining units.

"It's giving the labs back to housing and the residence halls to use them how [residents] want to use them," Beth Ann Bergsmark, director of UIS, said.

Bergsmark said the initiative was prompted by student requests for increased study space in conjunction with a significant increase in the number of students with personal computers since the labs were opened in the 1990s.

According to Bergsmark, UIS also plans to add more printing stations in academic buildings based on student feedback. Stations will be added to the computer terminals on the first and second floor of the Intercultural Center. UIS may also add a printing station to Walsh but has not yet identified an area in the building that would be accessible without impeding foot traffic.

Next month, UIS will contact students in order to determine whether residents of LXR and Harbin would prefer the conversion to occur during the current semester or over winter break.

UIS also consulted its student advisory board, which is comprised of Georgetown University Student Association and Interhall members, as well as appointees from other student organizations, about the matter.

Michael Crouch (MSB '13), secretary of information and technology for the Georgetown University Student Association,  said that the board came to the consensus that the residence hall computer labs were not being used as frequently as when they were first installed and students were using the labs largely to study or print documents.

Luke Marrinan (COL '15), a Harbin resident, said he thought the switch was a good idea. "It's a much more efficient use of the space," he said. "I don't think the computer lab is used by a large percentage of the dorm."

Josh Sattel (COL '15), another Harbin resident, agreed.

"It could serve as a good substitute for the library," he said "It's closer, and away from the distractions of my room."

Academic software that was installed on residence hall computers will still be available on computers in the ICC, St. Mary's and Lauinger Library.