I always had a general idea of what the first floor of the Coates library housed, including an extensive media collection and of course, more books. However, I never knew that the AT&T Center for Learning and Technology (CLT) was its ultimate asset. After our visit to the CLT, I now understand why several students scurry down those spiraling stairs to the first floor. This extensive resource center consists of 14 Macs and 12 PCs, inviting both types of computer users. Moreover, all of the computers contain specific types of software, ranging from audio and video editing to graphic design. According to the Instructional Support Manger for Trinity University, Mr. Robert Chapman, the CLT staff is willing to download additional software onto computers if students truly need it for academic purposes. He further communicated that some of the CLT staff members can even give basic training to students who have never used the software before. Not only does the CLT offer advance computer software on all of its computers, but it also serves a checkout center for anyone who wants to borrow necessary technological equipment such as digital cameras, video cameras, tripods, headphones, and USB microphones. What impressed me the most during the CLT visit was the high definition video conferencing room. Along with its modern and chic feel, this room boasts the ability to connect students and faculty to other parts of the world. Mr. Chapman mentioned this amazing system is often used by students or faculty traveling abroad who want to converse with friends at the University. Furthermore, it can allow fifteen people to engage in a teleconference at the same time.
After this informative visit, I am fully aware of all the resources CLT provides and definitely see myself taking advantage of them for both class and personal projects. Since this class involves aspects of media design such as photo editing, I can come to the CLT and use its graphic design software to complete any necessary assignments. I also discovered during the visit that the CLT provides the lecture capturing system for certain classes, and I am lucky to have that resource for my Integrative Biology course. I usually watch the lecture feeds when I am studying for tests or if I need to go back and take notes on certain parts of the lecture. Hence, I am indebted to the CLT for creating and monitoring the lecture capturing system. Lastly, I was happy to learn that the CLT also has scanners. Now, if I ever need to send personal emails with scanned documents or pictures, I can do so. I must say, this visit was quite influential on my view of library resources. I find myself incredibly fortunate to have access to the CLT and all that it offers.
Here is a self-portrait that I drew and scanned using one of the CLT scanners. Please excuse my limited artistic abilities J.
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