The primary purpose for the Epicenter Computer Lab is direct instruction in support of the College's Student Learning Outcome "Apply information tools and resources," with particular priority given to instruction on the effective use of the Library's physical information resources. Although we will do our best to seek mutually acceptable solutions to conflicting requests, the Library reserves the right to cancel reservations made for any other purpose, provided we are able to give eight days notice.
Use of the Epicenter as a lab for class research projects is secondary; instructors are asked to be considerate of the needs of other students who frequently use this lab for research and assignment completion. For this reason, we will only schedule the Epicenter if the request is made at least 24 hours in advance. If resources unique to the Library are not needed, there are other computer labs on campus which may be reserved for classes.
Software is installed in the Epicenter which allows one user to control or monitor the computer use of others. This software is only to be used when necessary for effective instruction. Any other use constitutes a violation of our students' rights to privacy and academic freedom.
If you are planning to use the Epicenter for a class without a librarian present, we would be happy to show you the features available for instructors. The most important one is the software which allows the instructor to control the student computers. You can lock their units so they can't use the computers but can view your demonstration on their monitors; you can review what each student is doing on their computer so you know whether they are proceeding correctly or need more guidance; or you can send individualized messages to a specific unit.
There are 26 computers and 28 seats in the Epicenter. All computers have access to the Internet and have MS Office (which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). These computers print to the Circulation Desk. Students should note the unit number before going to pick up their printouts. Please inform your students that they will be charged $0.5/page for full text printing.
The passwords for the Epicenter computers change quarterly and are available from the Library staff. If a student needs to be re-logged in, please do it for them rather than announcing the password to the class. Please log out of the instructor unit when you are done.
If you are not teaching library research there are other computer labs which may be available. Please contact the folllowing people to check the availability of other labs on campus:
The Epicenter includes some AV equipment - a mounted monitor with VCR and a DVD player in the instructor's computer; however, you should evaluate the facility before coming in to use this capability - lines of sight are far from ideal. There is also a microphone available.
Thank you for bringing your class to the Library. If we can assist you in any other way to guide their research, please feel free to let us know. We can be reached by email or at 509-542-4890 (on campus ext. 2290).