2011 Highlights:

Laptop Expansion

Owing to the popularity of the loaner laptop program, initiated in 2009, the library has continued to expand its computing profile by adding more machines to its inventory.  Current circulation figures for the laptops will undoubtedly increase, as evidenced from the following data:

McNair Scholars Laptop Program:

Mercy's McNair Scholars Progam identifies exceptional students to participate in this unique program, partially funded by the Ronald McNair Foundation.  With focus in the health/sciencs areas, the program provides students with research opportunities to showcase their talents.  To support their work, the Program has provided 7 dedicated laptops to the roughly 14 students in the program for the 2010-11 year.  The library provides monitors and manages the scheduling of the laptops and librarians participate in special outreach to the students on their special projects.

Increased Wi-fi

In addition to the expansion in computing areas projected to be ready by fall, 2011 (see Collaborative Learning section), both the Dobbs Ferry and Yorktown Library will be utilizing Title V funds to significantly boost the wi fi strength in all parts of these library facilities.  Projected for fall, 2011 also, these new access points will enable greater numbers of students to to access the internet from their muliple devices.  The following is a breakdown of the distribution.

2010 Highlights:  Overview of Technology Activities within the Library Learning Commons

Activities that promote, teach or impart tech proficiency skills to students encompasses a wide variety of  activities within the Library Learning Commons, some of which are reflected in tables in other sub-sections of Title V Skill/Outcomes.  These activities include but are not limited to:

• Laptop Loaner Program - Title V funds enabled the LLC to acquire 15 loaner laptops for students and 30 laptops for the Information Literacy Instruction Lab, both housed in cabinets for daily battery refresh, updates and monitoring.  Circulation of the loaner laptops have been extremely high with corresponding positive feedback in student surveys.  The damand is such that 8 new laptops and a cabinet were acquired in summer 2011 for additional computing support in the library

• SMARTboard usage training - A SMARTboard was acquired in summer 2009 with Title V funds and installed in Library Room A (originally designated as the Library Multi-Purpose Room).  Because of the demand for regular clasroom space, the board was not fully utilized to the extend intended.  Several Education courses were assigned to explore and document the board in fall 2009 and spring 2010 and with Media Service assistance, these sessions were informative and successfull.  Our intention is to relocate the board to a more accessible location within the Learning Commons to enable more fluency sessions.  In addition, Mercy has recently acquired 4 donated SMARTboards that are currently located at Dobbs, Manhattan, Bronx and Yorktown.  In addition, the college has purchased 10 more SMARTboards (5 for Bronx, 5 for Dobbs) that will further enable the Education School students to have access to this state of the art interactive technology.  We are currently working with the SMARTechnologies company to begin a training program that will enable an even more formal and strategic utilization of smart boards at Mercy.

• Group Study Display Monitor - Title V funds also enabled the LLC to acquire a large display monitor installed in our Group Study Room with VGA connections enabling students to connect their laptops for group work and presentations within this space.  To further support collaborative learning, an Avocent Wireless device was acquired enabling multiple students to connect their laptops to this device which can then switch image from one laptop to another, further enabling instructional possibilities.

• Flip cameras - An array of 10 Flip cameras were also acquired with Title V funds that have enabled students to extend their multimedia possibilities for work and research.  The cameras have become an essential new component of the Scavenger Hunt program with positive outcomes.  The cameras also have enormous potential for ePortfolio and digital storytellling initiatives.  More cameras are being acquired in FY 2010-11.

• Student Tech Assistant Program and Evening Technician - Instructional support for these technologies and staffing resources to impart training and skills to students is a fundamental component of LLC services and functions.  With Title V funds, we were able to acquire an evening technician (20 hours a week, 4-9pm, M-Th) who has become a critical asset in assisting and training students both formally and with scheduled appointments, as well as standard troubleshooting assistance.  The Student Tech Assistants are a new initiative begun in fall 2010 that have created a program of peer-to-peer student assistance for all matters related to technology.  Data related to the Assistants are reflected in the Effective Communication attachment.  Our goal is to hire more students and deepend their training to encompass ePortfolio and digital storytelling instruction and assistance.

In addition to the above, the Media Service department of the library continues to make available smart carts, laptops, microphones, TVs and other equipment  for students needing these materials for their work.  The department also maintains a MultiMedia editing room which is available for students to use.  Media Staff assist students with format transfers and editing work in this facility. 

Improving our technology services profile to keep up with emerging technology and continuinally working toward enhancing our support capabilities is reflected in our strategic plan:

• Goal 3: Deliver current and timely instructional technology hardware and support to the Mercy College Community by partnering with Faculty Center for Teaching (FCTL) and Mercy Online to train faculty and students to become skilled and fluent users of technology.Provide the College Community with immediate and reliable information, assistance, and support for media and instructional technology needs.

1. Support FCTL and Mercy Online in delivering a portfolio of services to faculty that will assist in integrating media and technology literacy skills into the curriculum.
2. Offer individualized and scheduled expert assistance and training facilitated by online tools and resources.
3. Maintain up-to-date information technology resources on the MCLLC website and create self-help and training materials for users.
4. Systematically assess smart classrooms and LLC spaces in relation to faculty and students’ changing pedagogical styles and technology needs.
5. Promote the discovery of information through creative displays and programs that integrate curriculum with media and technology resources.