Holman Library Goes Wireless

As of March 2004, Green River's Holman Library can provide Internet access to wireless laptops.

The Demand

The need for wireless access for student laptops has been increasing steadily over the past few years.  As the number of students owning laptops has increased exponentially, use of library computers has also increased dramatically so that every computer is in use for most of the morning.  Providing students owning laptops with wireless access allows them to access the same research resources as students sitting at a library computer. 

The Funding

Wireless access for laptops is the first major project funded by the increase in the Technology Fee paid by the students.  The new fee level, beginning this quarter, marks the first change in the fee since its inception in 1996.  Much of the increase will go towards the student computer lab in the new Technology Building, while the rest will provide additional electronic library sources and services that have been eroded by inflation in the past 7 ½ years.  Funds collected during the year before the Technology Building opens will be applied to major student-centered projects on campus that have been previously unfunded.   

The Future

Wireless in Holman Library can currently support 20 concurrent users.  The next phase will expand the area of coverage and the number of users.  To quote Carolyn Hershberger, Vice President of IT, “Wireless technology will also be available in the Technology Building and plans include eventual access in the Kennelly Commons.”