University campus computer labs provide rapid high-bandwidth
Internet access, but using them for many students means waiting in
line.
The Powell Library computer lab remains the most popular
computing facility despite less crowded labs being available
because students are often unaware of their options.
Overcrowding at the Powell lab is a problem that costs students
not only time and energy while waiting for available computers, but
also frustration and stress. Lengthy queues also hurt students when
they require access the most.
“During midterms and finals weeks, I use the computer lab
for the imposed limit of two hours. Then I wait an hour to use the
computer again,” said Nir Shafir, a fourth-year Middle
Eastern studies student.
The Powell computer lab is part of College Library Instructional
Computing Commons, the only remaining computer network open to all
students with a Bruin OnLine ID. Academic Technology Services, the
previously existing second network without restrictions, closed in
spring 2001 to house the Technology Sandbox, a facility to study
various technologies, such as wireless Internet and
videoconferencing.
Despite other CLICC labs being open, students still flock to the
computer lab at Powell since it is the only university computer lab
they know.
Lisa Jones, the CLICC manager, said ongoing efforts to increase
awareness of other CLICC labs, which include Young Research
Library, Music Library, Science and Engineering Library and
Biomedical Library, include putting up posters and handouts
throughout Powell Library.
“We would like people to make the best use of their time
and not have to wait. It is our goal to fulfill everyone’s
needs,” Jones said.
The proximity of Powell to many of the classrooms students use
may be a contributing factor to the computer lab’s
popularity.
“We’re very centrally located, and there is always
the convenience factor to consider. Even if there’s a wait,
everyone always gets a computer,” Jones said.
Though mainly restricted to students affiliated with certain
departments, other computer labs offer services to those who prefer
not to wait.
The Center for Digital Humanities facility and Chemistry
Instructional Computing network admit access to anyone with a Bruin
OnLine ID, but priority is correspondingly given to humanities and
chemistry students.
The Psychology Computer Labs system and Social Sciences
Computing Facility lure others with free printing for students in
their departments.
The free printing has attracted many to the labs, filling them
to capacity during their peak usage in the afternoon, said Jarett
Horinouchi, Social Sciences Computing manager.
Still, while labs are all over campus, Powell receives most of
the traffic. For many students, the wait for a computer has become
an expected part of their study time.
“I use the computers on campus three times a week and
usually wait 15 to 30 minutes,” said Aya Ushijima, a
third-year linguistics student.