After only seven years of existence, Google has changed the world. Rather than search for information online, we "Google it." Google Scholar helps users find academic sources, and Froogle helps online shoppers find deals. It seems like everything can be Googled.
Starting next semester, the Ball State University Web site will be Google-able straight from the university's home page. It's the latest step in Ball State's technological initiative, which is always developing - as it should be.
For years, the search engine on Ball State's Web site has been fairly slow, incomplete in its results and not particularly user-friendly. The search engine is one area Ball State's technology services have been far from the cutting edge.
Between the combined efforts of Team Us, University Computing Services and Nancy Prater of University Communications, Ball State is working out a custom contract with Google. A faster and more effective search feature will be greatly appreciated by all Ball State Web site users.
These are the types of projects the university and Student Government Association must continue to focus on - those directly benefiting students and employees, those everyone can appreciate. Also, this development is a perfect example of how cooperation between multiple student and university representatives can bring great things to the Ball State community. It goes to show, long-term planning can bring impressive results.
SGA members began talks with Google in Spring Semester 2005. After initial cost estimates were given, university staff members continued researching to find the most cost-effective option. Then, most importantly, UCS was able to find room in its budget to fund the Google partnership, so the charges for the new search engine won't show up in students' pocketbooks.
That's true cooperation in action.
As exciting as the Google development is, we must consider the extensive planning and preparation this endeavor took and continue setting long-term goals. Perhaps in upcoming years, this Google partnership can lead to more benefits than a few faster searches.
In the interest of staying on the cusp of technological developments, the university must keep its eyes on the future, continuously searching - or Googling - for the latest tech features available.
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