The new Tech Center opened earlier this month, but Dan Lutz is quick to point out it's more than just a technology center.
The director of Unified Technology Support said the new center in Bracken Library combines many services UTS offers, including the Technology HelpDesk, the Technology Store, TechTime, the new Concierge Desk and the new Faculty Apps Café, which provides technology and space for seminars and small group instruction.
The Tech Center, formally the Computer Store located in Robert Bell, is run by UTS. Although sales numbers for Bracken Library aren't available yet, Lutz said there has been an increase in walk-in support for questions since the move.
Liz McDonald, who has worked at the Tech Center since 2007, agreed there has been more traffic from what she has seen.
"People are here in the library anyway," the senior photojournalism major said. "We have a lot of people who wander in here. We get a lot more foot traffic, definitely,"
McDonald said many people who wander in did not even realize it existed before it moved to Bracken Library.
"It's not that Robert Bell was a bad building, but this is more accessible," she said. "It better suits our needs. Everything is central. I think it's easier for everyone."
Freshman Katie Barnes said she visited the Computer Store when it was still in Robert Bell during the summer, and the new location is more convenient.
"It's closer to my dorm," she said. "The other one seemed older."
Lutz said moving to the library has its advantages.
"It places the Tech Center at the center of the learning activity on campus," he said. "We have a larger location to assist students with their technology needs and walk-in support."
Lutz said plans for the old location are still in the first stages. The university might add more desktops to the existing computer lab for computer-based testing, but all ideas will be discussed more in the upcoming months.
The decision to move the Tech Center was made two years ago, and construction began in late 2010, Lutz said. It was completed in June, but they spent 30 days working on the finishing touches. It then took them two days to move equipment into the building.
"It takes a large amount of organizing to move a large unit and to put in place a full set of programs," he said.
Lutz said the money was put into a savings account over several years from the Computer Store profits. None of the money came from student technology fees.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
