Cade begins tech updates

The John B. Cade library has made it their mission to improve student research, decrease workloads, and provide more access with advanced technology. To assist with their cause, the library has purchased 20 iPads, 20 iPad minis, Dell laptops and 40 Kindle tablets. During the summer semester, there will be 20 Dell Latitude 3300 laptops and 20 Dell OptiPlex 920 desktops that will be available for checkout.
Students are able to receive full access to the devices for up to two months, and can download up to 100,000 eBooks from the library website. Once the student returns the device, all content on that device will be deleted. If the student fails to return the device, there will be a late fee of 25 dollars each day, until the gadget is returned. Students must have their student ID available in order to check out technology.
Assistant University Librarian for Technology and Informational Services, Dawn Knight said updating the library technology would be very beneficial for students.
“With having the latest technology here, it can help our students in the real world,” said Knight. “Also, give them the experience with new technology.”
Junior nursing major Tevin Thomas from Houma, believes it is good that Southern has devices readily available for students.
“For students who do not have any devices, this can give those a better chance to do their work outside the library,” said Thomas. “Some do not have time to their work during the library hours.”
Junior biology major Lauren Jones from Olathe, KS finds this to be a big step for Southern.
“For SU students to have access to this technology is one thing, but having them check them out is another,” said Jones. “I hope the students take care good care of these devices.”
So far, there have been two issues involving the Kindle devices.
“The students kept the Kindle out longer than they should have,” commented Knight. “We had to call those students to bring them back and apply a late fee to their account,” Knight added.
The Cade library hopes in the near future to expand mobile devices through out the entire library and add more study group rooms. The new study group rooms will be located on the second and third floor and be equipped with high tech technology so the students do not have to leave the room and be more collaborative.
Soon there will also be an SU Digital Repository Collective Research tool added to the library that allows faculty members, graduates and undergraduates to see previous research or presentations from the past.