Media change, labs adapt

In 1999 there was not enough space for additional computer labs in Powell Library.

And that was the beginning of a different sort of library checkout at UCLA. In January of 1999 the process began: Students were able to borrow one of 10 laptops from the library in much the same way they borrowed books, CDs and other media. In other words, it was free (save late fees, loss and damages).

Students now check out laptops to write papers, take notes in class or just for social enrichment in between classes. This means these laptops, through the labs, have become part of socialization and learning on our college campus. Many students hold portable media devices, even iPhones and Blackberrys, waiting to check out the more easily accessible counterpart for reading, writing, watching, learning and creating: a laptop with a big screen and two-hand-sized keyboard.

For people like me who cannot live without a laptop, this is an interesting intersection of ownership and borrowing media. I own many books, but check out more books from the library than I could ever purchase. The laptops are accessible in the same way.

CLICC labs currently lend out 210 laptops throughout seven different locations in five different libraries. The lab upgrades its computers every two to three years, and this year, with the capability of running Mac and Windows on the same Intel-based machine, switched to black MacBooks.

“The reason we purchased black MacBooks instead of white ones is because our initial research showed that they might stand up to wear and tear better over the three years that we plan to have them,” said Charlie Ahn, CLICC’s mobile systems coordinator. The black MacBooks have a matte finish made from different material than the white ones.

“There’s always the added cool factor, but that was just a side benefit,” Ahn said.

The setup comes with a mouse, Ethernet cable and headphones along with adapters and a power cable. On its initial checkout, the laptop is due back in four hours. The computer can be renewed for the entire day, but the renewals are only possible online within an hour of due time. Renewals can be done online or by phone, and laptops cannot be checked out overnight. Enrolled students can borrow laptops using their UCLA Logon ID.

“They should have more laptops, so people like us don’t have to wait,” said Alexandra Levian, a fourth-year sociology student.

With more and more students purchasing their own personal computers, it can be confusing to understand why the CLICC lab would need to loan an increasing number of computers. What the labs have found through student surveys is that a lot of people don’t want to carry their laptops around all day if they can borrow one from campus, said Lisa Kemp Jones, CLICC manager.

These laptops have many advantages over personal computers.

“Our laptops have access to a whole lot of software that students don’t ordinarily keep on their own laptops,” Jones said.

Lizzette Gomez, a fourth-year political science student, just started borrowing laptops this quarter. She said she enjoys the freedom of only having to carry a laptop around with her for part of the day, and it frees her from the liability of carrying a laptop for the entire day.

The College Library lab in Powell has special advantages not available at other labs, and not nearly as well known as the CLICC computer-borrowing services.

Projectors can be checked out through CLICC, but only in the main computer lab on the first floor of the College Library. There are two projectors total, and they come with small speakers, all necessary cables and a remote control. The projectors, unlike the laptops, are on a reservation system.

The CLICC lending procedure works almost like an assembly line; students wait, new batteries are installed and charged, and a laptop is checked out by touch screen. The returned laptops are then scanned back into the system and handed right back out again. The precision involved is a pleasure to watch.

Nima Naim, a fourth-year sociology student, said he thinks it’s one of the best things the school has done, but finds checking out a laptop during busy times like midterms and finals can be a bit time-consuming.

From 1999 to 2008, the laptops have gone from 10 to 210 in number, and the line at the door of CLICC doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Students keep coming back because they want the media they use, but they want it in the safest, most convenient and most accessible way possible.

What does this mean exactly for the future of our own engagement with media?

At CLICC they are “helping facilitate the here and now,” Jones said, by “trying to provide facilities, equipment and software for students to work and communicate, and do all the creative things that students want to do.”

The development of the media we use is not something far off in the future, but something happening each time a computer is checked out, a homework assignment is printed from a computer far away from home, or a connection is made or a friendship enriched by mobile technology. Students have the future in their hands now. “We’re taking the lead from students for what future directions to take,” Jones said.

And there you have it. Tell them what media you want in the future, now.

E-mail Rood at drood@media.ucla.edu.

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